Vintage Maitland-Smith Leather-Wrapped Regency-Style Games Table W/Brass Paw Feet

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Description

Vintage Maitland-Smith Leather-Wrapped Regency-Style Games Table w/Brass Paw Feet

Dimensions
37 in. L × 26 in. W × 29 in. … Read more Vintage Maitland-Smith Leather-Wrapped Regency-Style Games Table w/Brass Paw Feet

Dimensions
37 in. L × 26 in. W × 29 in. H

Description :
A handsome and exceptionally decorative Maitland-Smith leather-wrapped games table, dating to the late 20th century and designed in the elegant English Regency taste. Combining classical proportions with richly finished leather, gilt tooling, brass mounts, integrated storage, and multiple playing surfaces, this is both a sophisticated piece of furniture and a fully functional games table.The table is particularly appealing for its versatility, incorporating facilities for backgammon, chess/checkers, and other traditional games, with playing pieces and accessories conveniently stored within its drawers.
Leather-Wrapped Construction & Decorative Tooling
The wooden structure is extensively wrapped in richly toned cognac-brown leather, displaying the beautifully mottled and variegated surface for which Maitland-Smith leather furniture is particularly admired. Variations of amber, chestnut, and deeper brown give the leather considerable visual depth and an appearance reminiscent of highly figured burl wood.The surface is embellished throughout with delicate gilt-tooled and blind-tooled borders, including fine linear and ornamental bands tracing the perimeter of the tabletop, drawer fronts, apron, and legs. These understated decorative details give the table a distinctly luxurious character without overwhelming its elegant Regency-inspired form.

Integrated Backgammon Board
The principal playing surface incorporates a recessed backgammon board, beautifully executed in contrasting tones and set within the leather-covered tabletop. Alternating triangular points form the traditional playing field, while recessed areas at either end provide additional organization during play.The backgammon surface is integrated into the architecture of the table rather than simply resting on top, giving the entire piece a particularly refined and purpose-built appearance.

Removable Chess & Checkers Board
Adding considerably to the table's versatility is a removable leather-covered games panel incorporating a chess/checkers board. The playing field is delineated by finely ruled alternating squares in complementary cognac and golden-brown tones, surrounded by decorative tooled borders.When removed, the panel reveals an additional leather-lined recessed surface beneath, decorated at its center with a small gilt ornamental motif. This thoughtful construction allows the table to transition between different games while preserving its handsome appearance when not in active use.

Game Pieces, Accessories & Storage
The table retains an assortment of playing pieces and gaming accessories, including backgammon/checkers pieces in contrasting colors, dice, dice cups and additional components.These are conveniently housed within the table's spacious drawers, allowing the games to remain together with the furniture for which they were designed.The drawer interiors are finished in a light, beautifully mottled material that provides an attractive contrast to the darker cognac exterior while protecting the game pieces and accessories.One drawer retains its rectangular brass Maitland-Smith maker's plaque, providing clear identification of the manufacturer and further enhancing the desirability of the piece.

Drawers & Brass Hardware
The apron is carefully designed for visual symmetry, incorporating functional storage drawers together with corresponding false drawer fronts. The drawers provide generous concealed storage for the various playing pieces and accessories.Each drawer front is outlined with delicate decorative tooling and fitted with a traditional brass bail handle mounted on shaped brass backplates. The mellow patina of the brass complements the warm tones of the leather particularly well.

Regency-Inspired Base
The table is raised on a particularly elegant architectural base inspired by early 19th-century English Regency furniture. Slender vertical supports descend from the apron and are reinforced by graceful curved braces before transitioning into dramatically swept saber-form trestle feet.Fine linear decoration continues down the supports, visually connecting the base with the tooled ornamentation of the tabletop and apron.The legs terminate in substantial cast-brass paw-form feet, a quintessential neoclassical motif associated with Regency furniture. Each paw incorporates a discreet brass caster, allowing the table to be repositioned with relative ease while contributing another sophisticated decorative element.

Maitland-Smith
Founded in the latter part of the 20th century, Maitland-Smith became internationally recognized for its highly decorative furniture and objects inspired by European and Asian antiques. The company's workshops became particularly associated with labor-intensive materials and techniques including hand-tooled leather, brass mounts, exotic veneers, stone, shell, and other traditional decorative finishes.

This games table is an especially attractive example of the company's approach, combining the formality of Regency furniture with the rich surface treatment and playful functionality characteristic of Maitland-Smith's more elaborate designs.

Condition
Presented in attractive vintage condition, with minor surface wear, rubbing and variations to the leather consistent with age and normal use. The leather displays a warm, naturally developed patina that contributes considerable character to the piece, while the brass hardware and paw feet retain an appealing mellowed finish.The playing surfaces, storage compartments and accompanying game pieces show evidence of careful use consistent with their intended function.A beautifully appointed and unusually versatile Maitland-Smith Regency-style games table, combining hand-tooled leather, backgammon and chess/checkers playing surfaces, integrated game storage, brass hardware, and sculptural paw-foot casters. Equally suited to a sophisticated library, study, living room, or games room, it is both a highly decorative piece of furniture and an inviting functional object designed to be enjoyed. See less