Are original castors important?

Original castors maintain the correct height and proportion of a table, preserving the stance intended by the cabinet maker. Matching brass or ceramic wheels also indicate that the piece has survived with minimal alteration. Substitutions are common because these components endured heavy friction and weight during daily use. Inspecting the fixing points reveals whether the current hardware has been present since the table's construction.

How do I identify Regency castors?

Regency castors typically feature heavy cast brass frames, sometimes housing turned wooden or ceramic rollers. They fit snugly into recessed sockets carved directly into the base of the table leg. Later Victorian versions tend to employ simpler stem designs or cup fittings made from pressed rather than cast brass. Comparing the patina of the metal to the surrounding timber helps confirm the period.

What timbers were used for these tables?

Makers relied heavily on figured mahogany, rosewood, and satinwood for tables that required sturdy castor support. These dense hardwoods provided the structural strength needed to hold hinged leaves and drawers. Secondary timbers like oak or pine appear in the interior framing and drawer linings. The choice of primary wood usually corresponds to the specific stylistic period of the piece.

How should I care for table castors?

Keeping the wheels clean and free from dust ensures they roll smoothly across modern flooring without dragging. Avoid harsh metal polishes that can wear away the aged surface of the brass. Lifting the table slightly rather than pushing it across rough surfaces protects both the wooden leg and the internal brass pin from bending.

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Antique Sofa Table Castors

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Antique sofa table castors are the small brass and ceramic wheels fitted beneath the legs of nineteenth-century drop-leaf tables to allow smooth movement across carpets and floors.