Name/Title
Game TableEntry/Object ID
1966.21.1Description
Fold top card or game table made of pine with a mahogany veneer. The front has chamfered corners. The top is supported by two fully carved "S"-shaped dolphins in the front, while baluster and acanthus columns are in the back. These dolphins and columns rest on a trapezoidal form base, which is supported by four fully carved dolphin form legs. The front dolphin form legs have scrolling leaf shoulders. Both the front and the back legs would have originally been covered with a gold leaf and ebony finish. When the top is pivoted, a small storage area is revealed. The interior contains a signature which reads, "Welch."Use
Game tables, also referred to as card tables, are typically rectangular tables with flaps that open into a playing surface. Often, these surfaces are covered in felt (baize) or velvet and have an inlaid playing board for games such as chess, checkers, and backgammon. Card tables also frequently contained various hidden drawers used to store game pieces and cards. When not in use, the tabletop was often folded up and the table was pushed flush against a wall.Context
This table was likely created by Brazilia Deming (1781–1854) and Erastus Bulkley (1798–1872), a cabinetmaking team known as Deming & Bulkley. While they primarily operated out of New York, Deming & Bulkley also ran a retail store in Charleston at 206 King Street from 1818 until the 1840s. The name "Thomas G. Welch" is written on the interior of the piece. This may be a reference to a Thomas G. Welch (1780–1825), who was recorded living in Charleston from at least 1810 to 1825. Welch likely purchased the game table from Bulkley's storefront in Charleston.
The dolphin motif exemplified in this game table is commonly found in American Empire style furniture. Like the English Regency Era and the Empire style in France, the American Empire drew inspiration from archaeological discoveries in Egypt, Italy, and Greece and commonly featured mahogany, finely carved legs, gold paint, and brass accents.Furniture Details
Furniture Type
TableFurniture Style
American EmpireMade/Created
Date made
1805 - 1815Notes
Thomas G. Welch marked inside of storage areaDimensions
Height
29-3/8 inWidth
37 inDepth
16-3/4 in
