1830s Game Tables

An American Empire games or card table with cylinder column resting on quatre-form base terminating with turned feet on casters. Swivel-top opens to a square with storage compartment for games. American, circa 1835. Measurements: 36" long x 17" deep x 30" high (Open: 36" square) Every home could use at least one card or games tables. Not only do they contribute aesthetically to a home's interior, but they are immensely practical and function well as a side table, end table, lamp table, and/or as a small breakfast table. Because of their narrow depth, game tables are useful in hallways, behind a sofa in a living room or as a small serving table...

Square top with various marble types assembled as a playing surface. Columnar support joining a tripartite base and brass paw feet.

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...

William IV early Nineteenth Century D end card table The tables opens to reveal a baize playing surface in good condition. The table has a wonderful patina which is testament to its ...

A very handsome American Empire games/ card table in fine Cuban/ West Indies mahogany, attributable to Joseph Meeks & Sons of New York City, circa 1830. The solid mahogany top rests on a trestle base composed of two turned and tapering columns with an adjoining stretcher, with bun feet on casters. The hinged top pivots, opening to a square with storage for card & game elements with an apron banded & veneered in a flat-cut, book-matched crotch mahogany, also from the West Indies. Measures: 37" wide x 18 1/2" deep x 29 1/2" high; Open: 37" square x 29 1/2" high Meeks Furniture...

William IV early Nineteenth Century D end card table The tables opens to reveal a baize playing surface in good condition. The table has a wonderful patina which is testament to its ...

Mahogany George IV half round games table Opens into a circle to allow you to play the game of choice Elegant oval inlays at the top of the legs Sheraton style Legs Also ideal for us...

We are delighted to offer for sale this exquisite hand made in England William IV circa 1830 mahogany & Rosewood occasional table with Chess board top and baize lined card table insi...

We are delighted to offer for sale this absolutely exquisite antique Pietra Dura Italian Specimen Marble chess board table, William IV circa 1830 ...