What was an early georgian card table used for?

These tables served primarily for evening card games such as whist, quadrille or ombre in fashionable households. When not in use for gaming, the closed top functioned as a standard side or console table. The fold-over mechanism allowed families to quickly clear away domestic clutter or transform a parlour for social entertaining. Many double as tea tables depending on the interior layout.

How do I care for a mahogany card table?

Keep wooden surfaces away from direct sunlight and strong heat sources to prevent timber shrinkage and veneer lifting. Regular dusting with a dry lint-free cloth maintains the polish without chemical buildup. Apply high-grade beeswax sparingly to nourish the timber grain when the finish appears dry. Avoid placing damp items directly onto the antique polish.

How do I identify an eighteenth-century original?

Examine the timber underneath and inside the frame for hand-cut joinery marks and period-appropriate secondary woods. Eighteenth-century pieces typically exhibit natural wear patterns and patination accumulated over generations of use. Compare the hinge fixings and wood selection against documented examples from the same era. Later revival pieces often display machine-cut elements or different construction tolerances.

Can I use these tables for daily dining?

Most card tables feature relatively light folding structures not intended for heavy daily dining use. The pivoting leaves rely on supporting legs that can strain under heavy weight or downward pressure. They suit occasional drinks, board games or display purposes rather than family meals. Treat the folding mechanism with care when opening and closing the top.