How do these tables open?

Most models use a turnover top that rotates on a pivot to rest upon an open frame, while concertina versions expand the entire rear structure to support the weight. Other variants employ rotating envelope flaps or swing actions that reveal internal storage compartments for cards and counters.

Where were they placed?

These pieces usually stood against a drawing room wall as slim console or side tables when not in use for evening entertainment. When guests arrived, the tables moved towards the centre of the room to accommodate card games and tea.

How do I date a table?

Stylistic markers such as square tapered legs indicate eighteenth-century Georgian origins, whereas sabre legs and brass inlay point toward the Regency era. Victorian and Edwardian pieces often introduce heavier proportions, walnut alternatives, or mechanical envelope folding designs.

What is the green lining inside?

The interior is typically lined with baize, a durable woven woolen material designed to provide a soft surface for dealing cards and dampening sound. Original linings add interest, though replacement baize is common due to centuries of wear.