Name/Title
Game TableEntry/Object ID
1977.1.1 A-BDescription
Regency style card or game table with a fold top. Made of rosewood veneer as the primary wood and yellow pine as the secondary wood, the rosewood top has a wide crossbanding inset with stylized brass medallions. When rotated and folded into a table, the table is topped with a yellow felt. The top rests on a tapered square pedestal with similar brass stylized foliage sprays inlaid, supported by a quatrefoil platform base with a foliage band. The table has simplified reversed "C" scroll legs, tipped with brass lion paw feet on brass casters. The card table is signed “Mr. Gravenor Portsed” on top of the pedestal.Context
Game tables, also referred to as card tables, are typically rectangular tables with a flap that opens into a playing surface. Often, these surfaces are either covered in felt (baize) or velvet or have an inlaid playing board for games such as chess, checkers, or backgammon. When not in use, the tabletops were often folded up and the table was pushed flush against a wall. At the same time, the various hidden drawers were often used to store game pieces and cards.
Game tables first gained popularity in England during the late 17th century, under the reign of King Charles II (1630–1685), and only increased in popularity over the following two centuries. Designs for game tables became increasingly elaborate, many featuring adornments such as brass inlays, marquetry, carved feet, and intricate woodwork around the base and stem. As the middle class eventually grew wealthier, built larger houses, and enjoyed more free time, game tables became accessible to more than just the elite upper class. Because of their versatility and relatively compact size, most middle- and upper-class households were equipped with at least one game table during the Regency (c.1795–1837) and Victorian (1837–1901) eras.Inscription/Signature/Marks
Type
StampLocation
Top of pedestalTranscription
Mr. Gravenor PortsedMaterial/Technique
StampedDimensions
Height
27-1/2 inWidth
35 inDepth
35 in
