Adjustable reading and writing table (pupitre à crémaillère, servant de table). Culture: French. Dimensions: H. 57 x W. 21 x D. 16 in. (144.8 x 53.3 x 40.6 cm); H. of tray: 27-3/8 (69.5); Lectern: H. 16 x W. 21-1/8 x D. 3-1/2 in. (40.6 x 53.7 x 8.9 cm). Maker: Attributed to Martin Carlin (French, near Freiburg im Breisgau ca. 1730-1785 Paris). Date: ca. 1760-65.The tulipwood-veneered reading-and-writing lectern of this accommodating piece of furniture can be tilted forward and backward by pressing a button in the brass housing of the lectern, the sleeve of which fits over the top of the notched steel rod. A brass ratchet mounted to the underside of the tray engages the notches of the rod and allows the height of the lectern to be adjused for use from either a seated or standing position. With the lectern fully extended, the piece becomes quite top-heavy, and the spreading, double-pronged feet of its beautifully ornamented tripod base are intended to prevent it from tipping.Several va