1830s Game Tables

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...

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...

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

Unusual English or Welsh cricket table having a single board pine top over oak base having splayed tapered legs joined by box stretcher and retaining traces of original red wash, the...

We are delighted to offer this restored exquisite hand made in England William IV circa 1830 mahogany occasional table with brown leather chessboard top. A very rare example, I have never seen this table in Mahogany before and never with the leather Chessboard top which costs an absolute fortune to have made. The table has mother of pearl embossed handles, hand carved lion hairy paw feet and is of the finest quality The chess board is made from cattle hide leather, its hand embossed with wonderful banding, then each square is individually hand dyed, I had one of these made from my tric track...

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...

Russian painted pine one drawer tavern table with exposed double peg construction, the top with extended overhang, molded edge; unusual alternating dark and light striping of the wea...

This is a quality William IV antique rosewood card/side table with a lovely figured rosewood crossbanded top that lifts up and swivels to reveal the original green baize interior, ro...

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...