How do concertina legs work?

A concertina action utilises hinged rails that unfold simultaneously with the opening top leaf. This engineering ensures the rear corners receive direct vertical support during card games. Simpler tables rely on a single swinging leg that pivots outward from the frame. Concertina frames remain heavier and more complex to manufacture.

What was the baize for?

The woollen baize provided a soft, non-slip surface for dealing cards and moving wooden counters. It also protected the polished wood underneath from friction and scratches during play. Many surviving pieces retain their original textile lining, though replacement baize is common on tables restored for modern use.

How do I spot a walnut period piece?

Walnut surfaces display a rich, warm grain pattern that differs visibly from the reddish-brown tones of later mahogany tables. Early pieces often incorporate ash or oak secondary timbers within the internal frame. Checking the drawer linings and corner blocks helps confirm the period of construction alongside the exterior timber characteristics.

Where were these tables placed?

These folding tables stood against drawing room or parlour walls when closed, functioning as console or side furniture between gatherings. Servants moved them into the centre of the room when evening entertainment began. The dual purpose made them essential furnishings for polite society throughout the eighteenth century.