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English George II Period Flip Top Concertina Action Card & Console Table
Very fine condition, c. 1720-40, featuring almost entirely original hardware (chairs not included)
Item # 110106IPP18

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This listing is for a George II Period Queen Anne Solid Mahogany Card Table, circa 1720-35. It features a single solid board top of highly figured mahogany, with turrets on each corner flanking a serpentine center form. This opens easily over two original brass hinges, each locking to either side with small brass hand made original screws, worn smooth from years of use.

The rear legs extend using a concertina action mechanism to allow the rear legs to reach out in a perfect square, forming a full card table for the center of a room. Each hinge within the concertina mechanism appears to be original, with some replaced screws on the innermost hinges. The secondary framing is oak, creating strength in all portions of the mechanism to allow it to last. When the legs are pulled out, a small shelf and box are visible. This shelf has a carved handle, allowing you to carefully pull it along routed lines towards the rear legs, effectively locking the legs in a perfect square while also revealing a convenient space for game pieces. The box is hand dovetailed front and back, and both shelf and box are entirely oak construction. We will note that great care must be shown while pulling this shelf out, to not jam it or otherwise damage the concertina action - this is an incredibly special piece, in that the concertina action has been very well preserved; these are delicate mechanisms and they must be protected by carefully operating them.

When the top is rested carefully over the opened legs, a card surface is revealed with a replaced broad clean blue leather. It is framed in gilt painted tooling wrapping around the perimeter. At each corner, a glowing mahogany turret and scoop for game pieces break the surface. Both opposing turrets feature brass inset candleholders, threaded to accept a candle or oil lamp fixture without fear of being knocked over, and each being stamped "1" and "2".

The serpentine apron of the table is veneered with a fine figured mahogany, selecting incredible grains for every side of the table - note that even the back side, which typically would be found facing a wall when not being actively used, was carefully covered in the finest of mahogany selections. Round front corners top bold knees with original returns on both sides. These bend over very bold cabriole legs, terminating in smooth pad feet. The rear legs start under the frame with a carved spur, breaking over very lightly cabriole legs with only subtle curve, terminating also in identical pad feet.

The finish throughout this table is stunning - it was at one point restored completely, featuring a stunning glow and deep patina in every aspect of the table. The colors have been well preserved to avoid sun bleaching and color warping, with only the magnificient mahogany reds glowing through.

This collector quality work is an absolute strikepoint piece, capturing one's immediate attention fully. Working comfortably as a hall table or a dining room console table, it was originally designed as a fully functional game table and is perfect height and dimensions to be used as such even today. This is a true treasure for your family, a work of art that will certainly be passed down for generations to come.

Note, the set of chairs shown is not included in this listing (just pictured to show proportions of the table in functional form) - however, we may still have them available if you contact us. They are a wonderfully complimentary set crafted by the firm of S. H. Jewel in England during the first quarter of the 20th Century. An entirely hand crafted set that suit this table quite fittingly.

Measurements: 37 1/2" wide, 18 1/2" deep, 29 1/8" high

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