What is a games table castor?

A games table castor is a small wheel mechanism fitted to the base of a fold-over card or tea table. It allowed heavy timber furniture to be repositioned easily within a drawing room. These fittings are typically cast from brass and are often accompanied by matching sabots on the feet.

How do I identify a Regency games table?

Regency tables generally date from the early nineteenth century and feature dark hardwoods like rosewood or mahogany. Look for classical restraint, brass inlay, and distinct castor fittings. Many examples include fold-over tops supported by pillar and plinth bases rather than four conventional legs.

Were castors original to these tables?

Castors on Georgian, Regency, and Victorian tables were integral to their function as moveable drawing room furniture. They enabled tables to be pushed aside when card games concluded. Original brass fittings show consistent wear and patination matching the age of the timber frame.

How should I care for a folding card table?

Protect the polished timber surfaces from direct sunlight and excessive moisture changes. Avoid dragging the table across uncarpeted floors to protect the original castors. Lift the piece slightly when moving it rather than relying entirely on the antique wheels for transit.