Roentgen cabinets from the 1700s

Abraham Roentgen was a German cabinetmaker who lived from 1711-1793. Along with his son David, the Roentgens were famous for their marquetry, hidden drawers, and unusual mechanical fittings in his cabinetry.

This writing table was made for a Catholic official, and can be transformed into a private altar:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vC5Hqk7wl7U

Berlin secretary cabinet:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MKikHxKeodA

Dressing table:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=53zzt2SVde4

Roentgen furniture and related documents are on display at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, including online details here: Extravagant Inventions | The Metropolitan Museum of Art

In the same vein...not as beautiful but supremely functional, the Fletcher capstan table is, to my mind, a marvel of engineering and woodworking combining into artistry...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VQ_AwFSWIPU

My brain hurts thinking of the mechanicals with the 18th century tools...and fingers ache just thinking about all the inlays. WOW!

Marv, that table is a masterpiece of beauty and precision. Can't see a plug anywhere and must be remote operated. WOW again. Don't think even "Q" has a leg up on Fletcher even though the original mechanism was patented in the 1800's. It's come a long way in 20yrs!! That was a fun rabbit hole, Thanks! ~PJ