Round Wooden TAHITIEN Cocktail Tables

Items from MV ATALANTE (ex TAHITIEN, ATALANTE, HOMERICUS)

Measurements: 25 Inch Diameter Top, 20.5 Inches Tall
Price: $315 USD plus shipping
Two Available

Photos and copyright Peter Knego 2010.

ATALANTE was a remarkable ship, having kept in active service for over 50 years. First, as the French combiliner TAHITIEN for Messageries Maritimes South Pacific run from Marseilles, then as the Greek and Cypriot cruise ship ATALANTE. It was not until 1993, when she was vastly rebuilt for her last owners, Cyprus-based Paradise Cruises, that many of her original fittings were altered or removed.

Top, the forward first class lounge on TAHITIEN, where some of these tables can be seen. Peter Knego collection. Bottom, the ATALANTE's Pub, a very little altered space, even in the ship's final days. Four of these original tables were used here. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 2003.

These wonderful little tables were visible in most of the ships former first class spaces in vintage literature promoting the services and ships of Messageries Maritimes. By the ATALANTE's latter years, there were only a handful of them left. Four were used in her Pub, which retained its lustrous paneling, bar, and original fixtures until the ship was demolished at Alang in late 2004/early 2005. A handful of others were in the officers cabins.

I sold two of these several years ago and was shocked to find this pair on my 2010 visit. They were hidden in one trader's yard for years until he sold a lot of merchandise and they were uncovered. These must have been in officers' quarters and at some point had green melamine tops applied along with painted metal strips along the outer edge. I am leaving these "as is" but suspect underneath lies some handsome original woodwork. Even with the alterations, they are very handsome tables.

Page added: August 17, 2010.