What did the previous owner do to this refectory table?

My wife bought this beautiful Refectory table a while back (say 2 years ago) because of the great shape it is in and it’s narrow top compared to most modern tables. It however came in pieces and we never put it together.

Well last weekend I did and discovered that the table wobbles much more than it should.

Upon closer inspection I noticed that it appears to have been altered.

a. I think the two horizontal long beams right below the top are not original based on the different type of wood.
b. A very well matched thin wood plate was added on the inside of each top of the main support leg to hide a slot.

I have two questions:
1. Do you think I’m right? What was there instead? A single beam that fits in the middle running below the top?

2. Shall I remove the two plates and install a new beam? I really want to fix the wobble, that’s my main concern.

Why would someone do this? There are traces of wood glue as well so I think somebody else try to correct the issue.

Any help is very much appreciated.

 

and now you have some idea of why the other guy sold it.........

 

Of course. Which is why it was cheap. I like a challenge though. And it was the reason to sign up for this forum.

 

well then.......let's invite the boys..........

@verybrad
@Ghopper1924
@James Conrad

 

Yes, it's been altered, this photo tells the tale, notice the slot that is missing a beam connecting the 2 legs at top.
Also, normally you would have an apron around the entire perimeter of table.

 

Here is one on a quicky search, Circa 1900 oak
Notice the apron, since there are only 2 legs instead of the usual 4 that apron helps a lot structurally.

 

Thank you James. That makes sense. I’m even wondering if it’s the original top. It seems too thin, but I do like the tiger oak pattern a lot.

 

A better picture of the top. Please disregard the chairs.

 

Yes, very nice figure on that quarter sawn oak.

 

The thin top is ok, the alteration hurt. The Shaker's made these kinds of tables with no apron, very delicate but solid as a rock.
Notice the struts underneath tied into the top beam which yours is missing.
Reproduction of Shaker Trestle table, this one in Birdseye Maple