Masterful American Sheraton Serpentine Mahogany Inlaid Card Table. Boston C 1810
By John & Thomas Seymour
Located in Charleston, SC
Masterful American Sheraton mahogany hinged top serpentine card table with figured cross banded tulip wood, birch and satinwood inlays, outset corners, and terminating on the origina...
Birch, Mahogany, Satinwood, Tulipwood
Federal Card Table
Located in Litchfield, CT
The inside horizontal screw gains on the front rail are Seymour features seen on other card tables which suggests a Boston origin.
Unavailable
H 28.75 in W 36 in D 17.5 in
Mahogany, Bird’s-Eye Inlay Sheraton Card Table with Old Surface
Located in Providence, RI
A note on the legs: for related card tables by Seymour which employ a similar leg (and in one case, lunette inlay), see the attached scanned examples.
Birdseye Maple, Mahogany
Early 19th c. Seymour Federal Serpentine Card Table
By Thomas Seymour, John & Thomas Seymour
Located in Milford, NH
Federal serpentine card or gaming table attributed to John & Thomas Seymour circa 1800-1810.
Mahogany
Pair of Card Tables with Trestle Bases and Eagle Mounts
By Thomas Seymour
Located in New York, NY
Attributed to Thomas Seymour (1771–1848), Boston (active 1804–1817) Pair card tables with trestle bases and eagle mounts, about 1815–1817 Carving probably by Thomas Wightman (arr...
Brass
Sold
H 28.5 in W 36.25 in D 17.75 in
Early 19th Century Antique American Federal Mahog. & Birch Flap-Top Games Table
By John & Thomas Seymour
Located in CHARLESTON, SC
This is a spectacular antique American Federal New England period highly figured mahogany and satin birch Flap-top serpentine Games or Card Table in the manner of the workshop of Joh...
Mahogany, Rosewood, Birch
American Sheraton Mahogany Card Table, possibly by Seymour
Located in Dallas, TX
an American Sheraton mahogany card table with shaped bookmatched lift top, reeded legs, from Massachusetts, possibly by Seymour
Today, the phrase “card tables” might evoke the image of common plastic tables covered in felt, but historically these tables were statement pieces that invited merriment and were made of mahogany, walnut or other fine woods. Today, antique and vintage card tables and tea tables can enliven a space and encourage spirited competition in your home.
Card tables originated in England in the late 17th century, and during this time, as well as the 18th century, game tables in general became quite popular. We refer to early versions of card tables as antique Regency card tables because the Prince of Wales ruled England during the period and his official title was Regent. Back then, these furnishings were typically small, rectangular tables outfitted with hinged tops so that they could be opened to reveal a playing surface. Ornamental flourishes of the era might have included an integration of fine velvet or needlepoint as lining for the table’s surface. For furniture makers, wide adoption of a dense woven green material called baize for table covering — similar to felt but stronger — occurred during the early 1700s.
Tea became widely affordable during the early 1800s in England, and tea time exploded in popularity and involved large tea sets — especially during the Victorian era — as well as small, well-crafted tea tables. Your beverage was paired with petite baked goods, and the tea table would be home to teacups, saucers, a milk pot and other items. While tea tables are similar in design to card tables, the focus is more on presentation. Georgian card tables and tea tables — furniture made during the reign of England’s three Georges — were especially ornate. Some featured intricately carved design elements on each side and stood on elegantly curved legs. After all, tea time became a sacred ritual that society women dressed up for. It was a time to pause, reflect and sip a comforting beverage.
When no guests were visiting to enjoy tea or play games, owners could fold down both card tables and tea tables to their smaller size and tuck them away into a corner of the room.
Antique and vintage card tables and tea tables can make a lovely addition to any living room, entertainment room or game room. Find yours on 1stDibs.
Top interior designers show — and tell — us how to create delectable spaces for hosting dinner parties.
Fans of the French film star may be surprised to learn that he had a flair for furniture with sleek lines and disco-era flash.
Like other pieces in the firm’s Candy Box collection, the cheerful limited-edition design showcases French craft.
Whether you’re just moving in or ready to give your home a makeover, our guide will give you pointers on tables that are fitting for every room, nook and hallway.
From his massive collaborative workshop in a former paper factory, the designer concocts funky furniture from disused materials, as well as luxe hotel interiors like the new Mix Brussels.
The designer’s innovative use of an unexpected material gives this console a lift.
The stately piece brings both gravitas and whimsy to any work space.
Use them as tables or stools, indoors or out.