Pair of antique French ormolu games tables

Pair of antique French ormolu games tables
French, Late 19th Century
Height 78cm, width 90cm, depth 40cm
 
This elegant pair of French antique games tables dates to the 19th century and demonstrates the remarkable craftsmanship of the era. Games tables - sometimes referred to as card or gaming tables - were first developed in Europe during the 17th century. Designed for leisure and social gatherings, they often incorporated reversible surfaces, folding tops, or inlaid boards to accommodate chess, backgammon, or card play. Their popularity flourished throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, when they became refined items of furniture, admired not only for their practicality but also for their artistry and decorative value.
 
Each table is designed with a graceful breakfront profile and is inlaid with intricate lozenge trellis work. The swivel-hinged top showcases a superb central marquetry panel decorated with a trophy of musical instruments, surrounded by floral and foliate motifs. Beneath the frieze, a recessed tablet enriched with scrolling acanthus and floral mounts adds further ornamental detail. When opened, the top reveals a fabric-lined playing surface along with a discreet compartment for storage.
 
The tables rest on turned and fluted tapering legs, each mounted with gilt foliate accents and ending in toupie feet. An H-shaped stretcher, incorporating a ring-turned and acanthus-carved crosspiece, enhances both the visual design and the stability of the structure.
 
Uniting utility with elegance, this distinguished pair of games tables would make an impressive addition to any collection of fine antique furniture, as well as an ideal choice for enthusiasts of traditional gaming.