What defines the William IV style of furniture?

The William IV period, spanning from 1830 to 1837, bridged the Regency and early Victorian eras. Furniture from this era is characterised by robust proportions, architectural forms, intricate wood carving such as acanthus leaves, and the extensive use of timbers like rosewood and mahogany.

What materials were traditionally used in 19th-century card tables?

Nineteenth-century card tables were typically constructed using solid timber frames faced with figured veneers like rosewood or mahogany. Playing surfaces were often lined with baize cloth, while brass castors and hinges provided functional hardware.

How can you identify an authentic 19th-century fold-over card table?

Authentic pieces feature period-correct joinery, hand-carved details, and natural oxidisation on the underside of the woodwork. Swivel-and-fold mechanism tops, brass castors, and period maker marks further confirm authenticity.

How do you style a pair of antique card tables in a modern interior?

A pair of fold-over card tables can be styled symmetrically as console tables along a hallway or drawing room wall. Placed beneath matching mirrors or artwork, they provide functional surface area while maintaining the option to open for games.

How should antique rosewood furniture be maintained?

Rosewood surfaces should be kept away from direct sunlight and heat sources to prevent fading and veneer movement. Dust the timber with a soft dry cloth and apply a high-grade beeswax polish periodically to preserve the surface finish.

for sale €9,945 $10,795

£8,500

LVS Decorative Arts

Sellingantiques Verified Since May 2011

Browse dealers 235 items

Trade Associations

LVS Decorative Arts is a registered member of LAPADA CINOA

Id #SA1243959

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Superb Quality Pair of Gillows William IV Rosewood ‘His’ and ‘Hers’ Card Tables

Name: Superb Quality Pair of Gillows William IV Rosewood ‘His’ and ‘Hers’ Card Tables
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1243959
Price: 8500 GBP
Availability: InStock

19th century

For Sale by LVS Decorative Arts

Description

A superb quality pair of Gillows William IV (circa 1830) rosewood ‘His’ and ‘Hers’ card or games tables.

Although these card tables are a pair there are some small differences in construction, we believe them to have been purchased or commissioned together, one made for the man of the household and the other for his wife - one table being bolder and more masculine in design with slight differences in decoration with horizontal veneered frieze, bolder base, fluted baluster decoration and slightly larger is proportion.

This pair of tables each consist of fine quality figured rosewood veneered tops with finely carved egg and dart decoration to the edge, the tops opening to reveal an original red baize playing surface to each table in good, original condition.

This leads down to the frieze, one table having a vertical veneered frieze, the other a horizontal veneered frieze with a turned moulding below.

This leads down to the highly sophisticated bases, these consist of baluster carved columns, one reeded, the other fluted, each with acanthus carved baluster with carved gadroon style collar below.

These are supported by four finely carved cabriole legs with acanthus carved decoration to the knee leading down to a scroll foot with acanthus carved decoration with brass castors below.

Although this pair of tables are not stamped we have no doubt they were produced by Gillows given the tables have so many typical Gillows design features such as the carved egg and dart edge, the carved baluster column, the reeded and fluted baluster column, gadroon carving, scroll feet, acanthus carving, the quality of the carving, the fine cabinet work and the choice of timber.

A pair of similar card tables to this design and quality can be found in the book ‘Gillows of Lancaster 1730-1840 Volume 1’ page 263 by Susan E Stewart – this book also contains various other tables with very similar bases and legs such as Gillows work tables.

Gillows of Lancaster and London set up in around 1730, it was an English furniture making company based in Lancaster and also London, it continued under this name until 1903 when it became Waring & Gillow after merging with Warings of Liverpool - Gillows of Lancaster and Waring & Gillow both had a very good reputation and are renowned for producing fine quality pieces of furniture.

This pair of tables are in very good condition for age, are of stable construction and can go straight into a home or collection – although they are card or games tables they can equally be used as side tables or console tables.

Size:

'His' table:

Height: 29.75" / 75.5cm

Width: 36.5" / 92.75cm

Depth: 18" / 45.75cm

'Hers' table:

Height: 29.75" / 75.5cm

Width: 36" / 91.5cm

Depth: 17.75" / 45cm

Date of Manufacture

LVS Decorative Arts has dated these William IV Rosewood Card Tables to the 19th Century.

Physical Dimensions

Height

75.5cm (29.72")

Width

92.75cm (36.52")

Depth

45.75cm (18.01")

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1243959

Dealers Internal Reference

LVS1525

Dealers Notes

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LVS Decorative Arts is a small family run business based in Suffolk, specialising in an eclectic mix of fine quality and decorative antiques from around the world.

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LAPADA & CINOA member

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All furniture is professionally restored to the highest of standards, using traditional methods, we feel that quality restoration is paramount to the longevity of the piece.

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INSURED DELIVERY INCLUDED IN LIST PRICE WITHIN MAINLAND UK FOR A ONE MAN COURIER SERVICE

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Worldwide shipping available, please contact us for a free quote to include professional packing and fully insured services

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PLEASE NOTE: viewing is 'By Appointment' only - please contact Liza a few days in advance to arrange this.

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Payments are accepted by bank transfer or cheque

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Please contact us if any further high definition photographs are required or please visit our own website as follows where you can zoom in on the photos:

www.lvsdecorativearts.co.uk

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You can contact Liza either by email lvsdecorativearts@btinternet.com or telephone 07703306451

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Please bear in mind: antique items for sale may have some wear and marks commensurate with their age which adds to the character of the piece.

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Thank you for viewing our stock and please don’t hesitate to contact us if you need any further information.

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Description

A superb quality pair of Gillows William IV (circa 1830) rosewood ‘His’ and ‘Hers’ card or games tables.

Although these card tables are a pair there are some small differences in construction, we believe them to have been purchased or commissioned together, one made for the man of the household and the other for his wife - one table being bolder and more masculine in design with slight differences in decoration with horizontal veneered frieze, bolder base, fluted baluster decoration and slightly larger is proportion.

fig 1. A pair of William IV rosewood fold-over card tables featuring carved acanthus leaf pedestal bases and scroll feet. — fig 1. Superb Quality Pair of Gillows William IV Rosewood ‘His’ and ‘Hers’ Card Tables

This pair of tables each consist of fine quality figured rosewood veneered tops with finely carved egg and dart decoration to the edge, the tops opening to reveal an original red baize playing surface to each table in good, original condition.

“

This leads down to the frieze, one table having a vertical veneered frieze, the other a horizontal veneered frieze with a turned moulding below.

LVS Decorative Arts

fig 2. A pair of William IV rosewood fold-over card tables featuring carved acanthus leaf pedestal bases and scroll feet. — fig 2. Superb Quality Pair of Gillows William IV Rosewood ‘His’ and ‘Hers’ Card Tables

This leads down to the highly sophisticated bases, these consist of baluster carved columns, one reeded, the other fluted, each with acanthus carved baluster with carved gadroon style collar below.

These are supported by four finely carved cabriole legs with acanthus carved decoration to the knee leading down to a scroll foot with acanthus carved decoration with brass castors below.

fig 3. A pair of William IV rosewood fold-over card tables featuring carved acanthus leaf pedestal bases and scroll feet. — fig 3. Superb Quality Pair of Gillows William IV Rosewood ‘His’ and ‘Hers’ Card Tables

Although this pair of tables are not stamped we have no doubt they were produced by Gillows given the tables have so many typical Gillows design features such as the carved egg and dart edge, the carved baluster column, the reeded and fluted baluster column, gadroon carving, scroll feet, acanthus carving, the quality of the carving, the fine cabinet work and the choice of timber.

fig 4. A pair of William IV rosewood fold-over card tables featuring carved acanthus leaf pedestal bases and scroll feet. — fig 4. Superb Quality Pair of Gillows William IV Rosewood ‘His’ and ‘Hers’ Card Tables

A pair of similar card tables to this design and quality can be found in the book ‘Gillows of Lancaster 1730-1840 Volume 1’ page 263 by Susan E Stewart – this book also contains various other tables with very similar bases and legs such as Gillows work tables.

fig 5. A pair of William IV rosewood fold-over card tables featuring carved acanthus leaf pedestal bases and scroll feet. — fig 5. Superb Quality Pair of Gillows William IV Rosewood ‘His’ and ‘Hers’ Card Tables

Gillows of Lancaster and London set up in around 1730, it was an English furniture making company based in Lancaster and also London, it continued under this name until 1903 when it became Waring & Gillow after merging with Warings of Liverpool - Gillows of Lancaster and Waring & Gillow both had a very good reputation and are renowned for producing fine quality pieces of furniture.

fig 6. A pair of William IV rosewood fold-over card tables featuring carved acanthus leaf pedestal bases and scroll feet. — fig 6. Superb Quality Pair of Gillows William IV Rosewood ‘His’ and ‘Hers’ Card Tables

This pair of tables are in very good condition for age, are of stable construction and can go straight into a home or collection – although they are card or games tables they can equally be used as side tables or console tables.

Size:

'His' table:

Height: 29.75" / 75.5cm

Width: 36.5" / 92.75cm

Depth: 18" / 45.75cm

'Hers' table:

Height: 29.75" / 75.5cm

Width: 36" / 91.5cm

Depth: 17.75" / 45cm

Date of Manufacture

LVS Decorative Arts has dated these William IV Rosewood Card Tables to the 19th Century.

Physical Dimensions