George IV Calamander and Specimen Parquetry Writing Slope

An unusual George IV specimen marble backgammon table attributed to Gillows. This rectangular table is strongly attributed to Gillows. It has a rectangular top inlaid with a central chess board flanked by two backgammon fields, all inlaid with a multitude of specimen marbles. One edge carved and gilded with the Latin motto ‘Turpe est in patria vivere et patriam ignorare’. The oak base has a drawer for cards and playing pieces, all raised on a square section support with four splayed legs and the original brass castors. English, circa 1830. Provenance: Geoffrey Bennison Ltd, London, November 1983 The Mermaid House Collection, St. John’s Wood, London Property of a gentleman Private American collection The form of the base of this table is related to several known Gillows commissions from the late Regency period and the quality of the cabinet work also suggests that firm attribution to the firm. Backgammon tables, rather than more general games tables, are unusual at this date and the use of inlaid specimen marbles in the top suggests a client of wealth. Additionally, the Latin text on the edge of the table provides further clues. The text, Turpe est in patria vivere et patriam ignorare, translates as “it is shameful to live in your homeland and not know it”. This phrase dates back to antiquity but rose to prominence once again in the mid-18th century when used by the botanist and key Enlightenment figure Carl Linnaeus in his work on the native flora of Sweden. The combination of this phrase and the use of native English timbers and marbles is promoting English raw materials and craftsmanship at a time when the noble and the wealthy were focussed on European pietra dura tables. Mermaid House in St John’s Wood was re-designed by Chester Jones...

A pair of George IV rosewood side cabinets by Gillows, each with two of mirror-backed shelves with brass galleries and bold S-scroll ends set above a rectangular cupboard, the doors ...

A fine George IV mahogany wine cooler attributed to Gillows, in the form of a classical urn with everted lip and boldly gadrooned sides, set upon a flaring, flanged support with flut...

A George IV highly figured oak tripod side table attributed to Gillows, the rectangular top made from a single, solid piece of oak, with a frieze drawer on one end, raised on a turne...

The circular tilt top has a central field of book-matched, figured rosewood within a broad band of cut brass inlay. The edge is boldly carved with an acanthus and dart border. The central support is hexagonal in section with a broad central flange, raised on three powerful and ornately carved legs. The knees are presented as bold acanthus carved and gadrooned volutes. The lions’ paw feet have clearly defined knuckles and claws and enclose the original brass castors. English, circa 1825. See also S. Stuart, Gillows of Lancaster and London 1730-1840, Antique Collectors’ Club, Woodbridge, 2008, Vol II, pl. E.5, which shows a pattern for this table in a drawing room layout designed for G.Bamford about 1820-30. The drawing also shows a pair of bergères and a sofa which correspond to a suite supplied by Gillow & Co. in 1824 to Thomas Wynn...

A large and impressive George IV mahogany serving table, the rectangular top surmounted by a carved back with a central cartouche of an eagle with outstretched wings holding a pistol...

Painted Writing Slope with green interior paint and drawers for storage.

Very fine early 19th century carved ebony writing slope, the exterior richly carved with foliate decoration, the interior profusely inlaid with bone dots forming floral geometric pat...

In the manner of Paul Storr. A very rare George IV Bachelor Inkstand made in Sheffield in 1822 by Thomas & James Settle. This exceptionally rare Inkstand is modelled in the bachelor...

19th century Chinese camphor wood and ebonised writing slope of exceptional quality, having a drawer to the front which when pulls out opens the tambour shutter on top to reveal a lift up stationary rack with various sized compartments, in the bottom central compartment there is the makers label “SUI KEE CHAN” There is a hinged lid which lifts up and over...

19th Century Rosewood handcrafted exquisite writing slope with tooled leather, fitted interior befit with original glass inkwells and secret compartment. Would make an ideal gift for the writing enthusiast. Item will include pad, Quill pen (modern) and antique propelling pencil...

A stunning georgian military campaign rosewood & brass bound hand crafted writing slope. With Red Tooled Leather Interior, Befit with the original glass inkwells. Made by Esteemed Maker with Royal Warrant "Tompson" circa 1830s A rare Thompson lock with attractive stamped escutcheon with coat of arms. The top and front have been decorated with brass inlay and brass reinforcing edges and corners. Inside there are secret drawers concealed beneath the writing surface. The glass ink bottles are original to the item with red leather tooled interior. This writing slope comes with original "Tompson" lock. Will sent with a vintage writing pen...