What is a brass castor card table?

A brass castor card table is a multi-functional piece of nineteenth-century furniture with a hinged top that opens for card games. They feature small metal wheels on the feet to allow effortless movement across the room. These tables combine practical engineering with elegant cabinet making, serving as display surfaces when closed and gaming tables when open.

How do you use a fold-over table?

To use the table, you lift and rotate the hinged upper leaf so it rests flat on the expanded wooden frame or swinging support gate. This reveals a lined playing surface, often covered in green wool baize. When entertainment ends, you fold the top back over and push the table against the wall or into the centre of the parlour as a side table.

What woods are these tables made from?

The primary woods found in these listings are dark mahogany and rich rosewood, chosen for their strength and deep grain patterns. Cabinet makers also incorporated lighter exotic timbers like satinwood, ebony, and boxwood for contrast. These materials reflect the shifting aesthetic tastes of the Georgian and Regency periods, moving from solid native timbers to dramatic imported veneers.

How do I tell Regency from Georgian?

Georgian tables often display restrained classical proportions, rectilinear forms, and straightforward mahogany construction. Regency pieces, dating from the early nineteenth century, lean towards bolder architectural motifs, brass inlay, and elaborate pedestal bases. Regency design frequently draws inspiration from classical antiquity, resulting in heavier pillar supports and more striking contrast between dark rosewood and bright brass accents.