Antique English George III Mahogany Card Table / Console Table With Drawer

Details

Description

With our absolute highest compliments Bay Colony Antiques proudly offers this exceptional and rare antique mid 18th century George III … Read more With our absolute highest compliments Bay Colony Antiques proudly offers this exceptional and rare antique mid 18th century George III card table / game table. It is our privilege to present this remarkable antique for the consideration of collectors across the country as demand for this early historic form remains as popular today as it has been for centuries. These tables are often placed against walls to serve as consoles with the top board folded upright so that the full beauty of the piece may be displayed without occupying too much space. The rear legs are attached to the table with swinging gateleg boards that allow either leg to swivel ninety degrees so that several people may sit around the table comfortably for hours and play their favorite card games.

A gentleman was expected to know cards, which were a favorite evening activity in a proper 18th century home. Games like Commerce, Quadrille, and Whist were popular. There are several key aspects of this table which elevate it well above traditional card tables of this era with respect to desirability and rarity. The most considerable feature is the smaller, diminutive scale that the table is proportioned and designed for. Often tables that are smaller in stature are much rarer than conventionally sized examples and command a premium among collectors, especially those with limited interior space or those who simply wish to collect the rarest and most intriguing variations of any particular furniture form. The presence of a full drawer that is fitted with the original brass is another aspect that heightens the collectability of the table.

The entire table is built from a beautiful selection of mahogany with yew wood and pine secondaries that are expertly dovetailed into the drawer box and table frame. The top has four rounded porringer style corners and when opened reveals four sunken wells designed for gambling chips or coins. The table is supported by four tapered legs that end on exaggerated pad feet. These feet can also be described as "penny" feet based on the flattened and rounded form.

The mahogany selected for the table is absolutely gorgeous and the table remains in very good condition considering its age. There is a tiny piece missing on one foot and at some point in the tables life the back was painted black. The table measures 32 1/4” wide x 14 3/4” deep x 28” tall. When the top leaf is flipped open the table measures 32 1/4” wide x 29 1/2” deep. See less