Antique English Oak Changeable Multi-Game Table

Details

Description

This multi-functional antique piece is a classic example of an 18th century-style English George II metamorphic games table, constructed from … Read more This multi-functional antique piece is a classic example of an 18th century-style English George II metamorphic games table, constructed from solid oak and fine leather. The top flips open to reveal a tooled leather chess or checkerboard. Push the peg underneath the table to remove the checkerboard and reveal a tooled leather backgammon board with a side section for game pieces. When fully closed, the two outer wooden leaves form a seamless, solid oak library- or tea-table surface.

STYLE: The elegant, S-shaped legs feature characteristic carved knee details and terminate in classic pad feet. This gives the table its unmistakable early-to-mid 18th-century silhouette.

FUNCTION: Flipping the wooden panels outward reveals a central, gold-tooled leather insert featuring a checkered game board. The entire central chess-board panel is completely removable. Lifting it reveals a recessed, inset leather backgammon (tric-trac) board with a built-in wooden dice holder compartment on the side. Additionally, the underside of the removable panel shows heavily patinated, gold-tooled leather, which historically served as a flat surface for writing or card games (such as cribbage or loo).

MATERIALS: The wood features a prominent grain typical of English oak, showing rich medullary rays and a deep, historic honey-brown patina. The gaming surfaces are made of traditional gold-embossed leather. The underside of the removable top shows substantial historic staining, ring marks, and distressing. This kind of heavy, authentic wear is highly valued as "character" and "honest patina," supporting many decades of active social use.

Signature/Maker’s Mark: Nonexistent. Fully-open dimensions: 54.75 inches wide. Leg clearance 23.75” See less