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

FINE PAIR OF ENGLISH INLAID ROSEWOOD AND BURLWOOD GAMES TABLES

England, first quarter of the 20th century | raised over gilt-iron animal paws | interiors with gilt-tooled leather for checkers and backgammon

stock ref. 408RFG21V

Lot essay:
A wonderful pair of tables in the Regency taste, they were probably made in the first quarter of the 20th century 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.

They are fabulous game tables with surfaces that are silky to the touch and positively glow. Highly functional and absolutely gorgeous.


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:
Professionally restored with some reveneering and splicing; ebonizing of columns refreshed at some point a long time ago, now each with some flaking; gilt on the ring turnings and iron feet refreshed; some small chips to the veneers here and there. Old repaired cracks to the legs. The leather is old (originality unknown) with a split where the leather folds on each, both presenting with only moinor blemish (stains, wear, rubbing). One table bottom board shrunk and no longer touches edge, the fore-aft braces on the same have popped. Very sturdy and strong with a smooth rotating action to open the tops. Tables are an exquisite presentation - ready to place.