Fine Rare Pair of 19th Century English Antique Rosewood Games Tables

Description

FINE PAIR OF ENGLISH INLAID ROSEWOOD AND BURLWOOD GAMES TABLES
Raised over gilt-iron animal paws | with parcel-ebonized columns | … more FINE PAIR OF ENGLISH INLAID ROSEWOOD AND BURLWOOD GAMES TABLES
Raised over gilt-iron animal paws | with parcel-ebonized columns | interiors with gilt-tooled leather for checkers and backgammon
Item # 408RFG21V

A wonderful pair of tables in the Regency taste, they were probably made in the last quarter of the 19th century, perhaps as late as the early years of the 20th century. Each is dressed in the most fabulous rosewood veneers, the normally vibrant red of the wood having gently bleached out over the century to create a most pleasing mellowed carmel tone throughout.

The top surfaces feature book-matched rosewood veneers cut in small strips to create a repeating pattern across the top surrounded by a burlwood band inlaid around the perimeter before a rosewood veneered edge. These rotate 90 degrees to give access to storage hidden beneath the table tops inside of the apron, the perfect place to store the game elements. The tops then open up over original brass hinges to reveal the gilt-tooled and decorated leather that allow one table to be used for checkers or chess and the other table to be used for backgammon. The backgammon table also includes a foldable rosewood frame that drops into brass inserts in the table top to contain the dice and pieces.

The tables are raised over four ebonized columns with ring-turnings that are embellished in gilt pigments over an X-form stretcher that transitions into the curled legs, each terminating over a bold cast-iron animal paw that has also been gilt painted.

Rarely do we find such fabulous games tables and it was particularly nice to acquire them in exquisite condition throughout. The surfaces are silky to the touch and positively glow. A very fine acquisition.


Measurements: 28 3/4" H (27 7/8" H when opened) x 36 1/8" W x 17 3/4" D (35 1/2" D when opened)

Condition Report:
Professionally restored with spots of veneer replacement and splicing; parcel ebonizing of the columns refreshed at some point in the 20th century, these now with areas of flaking; gilt paint on the ring turnings and iron feet also refreshed; some small chips to the veneers here and there. Old repaired cracks to the feet of each. The folding seam down the center of the leather tops has opened up from a century of bending back and forth, overall the leather remains otherwise in very good condition with typical patina (stains, wear, rubbing). Bottom board of one has shrunk a bit to no longer touch the edge and the dovetailed fore-aft brackets on the same table have popped a bit from shrinkage/expansion over time - they remain very tight nonetheless. Very sturdy and strong with a smooth rotating action to open the tops. Tables are an exquisite presentation - ready to place. less