An intrepid Canadian antique dealer managed to buy The New York Times' famed four-pedestal mahogany table from underneath the noses of the most sophisticated antique hunters in the world for less than $5000. Kent Martin, of Toronto's Five O Seven Antiques bought the editorial boardroom table at an auction during the month of August -- where many wealthy New Yorkers take their vacations -- when the newspaper of record moved after 93 years to their new Midtown offices. From Globe and Mail via Romenesko:

''For now, it will remain on Canadian soil, but Martin expects the piece will eventually end up in the hands of a wealthy American and back to the country from which it was claimed.''

Countless celebrities and statesmen, rock stars and humanitarians have argued their positions on the table over the years.