How do you operate the tilt mechanism?

A small brass catch or wooden peg beneath the top releases the mechanism, allowing the surface to pivot upward on its birdcage or block pivot. Dropping the top back down engages the latch automatically to hold the surface flat for use.

Where were these tables used in the home?

Smaller versions served as wine, lamp, or occasional tables positioned beside seating in parlours and drawing rooms. Larger breakfast, tea, and loo tables stood in dining rooms or centres of reception spaces before being tipped and moved aside.

How can I tell a Regency table from a Victorian one?

Regency tables often display cleaner architectural lines, brass paw feet, and rich mahogany or rosewood surfaces dating around 1800 to 1830. Victorian examples frequently utilise burr walnut, heavier carved pedestal bases, and elaborate marquetry reflecting mid to late 19th-century tastes.

Can I use a tilt table for daily dining?

Dining and breakfast variants offer sturdy surfaces suitable for daily meals and gatherings when locked in the horizontal position. Smaller wine and occasional formats suit light items but lack the broad footprint needed for heavy daily service.