Antique card and games tables

A small table equipped with an inlaid chess board and sometimes a backgammon board. They are often fitted with drawers to hold games pieces, pencils, score sheets and so on. The tops of these tables are sometimes reversible, sometimes opening to reveal the chess board beneath. Examples dating from the 18th century are known, but most still available are of Victorian origin. Many Australian games tables have survived, with the chess board made of stained woods or sometimes consisting of many different inlaid native timbers. Card tables are a variant of the games table.

Also known as 'gaming tables'. From the early 18th century there have been a wide variety of styles and designs. The playing tops are usually covered with cloth or green baize. Queen Anne and early Georgian examples, with simple cabriole legs, often had recesses for gambling chips. Fold-over card tables, either rectangular or circular were introduced during the mid-18th century, and continued to be made until this century. In some versions, the table legs opened by a concertina or gateleg action to provide support for the top. Other tables, dating from the early 19th century, had a swivel more... top that rested when opened on the pedestal block or a box-like construction to contain the cards. Collectors will have to rely on stylistic and other evidence to judge the age of card tables, whether they be the elegant half-round tables on tapered and strung legs of the Neoclassical style, the early Victorian pedestal card tables, or the later 19th century card tables frequently veneered in burr walnut in the Rococo revival manner. The small, square tables with fold-up legs and baize or leather tops are a 20th century innovation. less...