An early 19th century Baltic drop leaf sofa table, veneered in Karelian Birch, with compass legs joined by a simple stretcher and on block feet. The drop down sections rest on hinged out supports, circa 1820.
 
Karelian birch is characterized by thickenings on the trunk and when cut the wood is light yellow with dark brown markings simulating a marble like pattern. The Karelian birch is mainly found in the Karelian forests to the Urals. It is also found in Latvia, Byelorussia, and Scandinavia. Because of its scarcity and distinctive markings, Karelian birch is rare and was used on covetable pieces of furniture from the 18th century onwards.