How do I spot a true eighteenth-century table?

Examine the secondary woods inside the drawers, such as oak or pine, and look for hand-cut dovetails and tool marks consistent with period manufacture. Timber shrinkage, colour mellowing under wax, and original construction methods offer reliable guides to age. Compare the carcass construction against known revival pieces from later centuries, which often display machine-cut elements or modern fixings beneath the surface.

What is the difference between red walnut and burr walnut?

Red walnut refers to the solid American timber known for its deep colour and durability under carving. Burr walnut denotes veneer sliced from the growth warts of the tree, prized for its swirling, highly decorative grain pattern. Cabinetmakers typically reserved burr walnut for prominent surfaces like table tops and drawer fronts, while using red walnut for structural members and solid tops.

How were tea and games tables used?

Tea tables provided a stable surface for the ritual of serving tea from porcelain sets during the Georgian era. Games tables featured fold-over tops that revealed lined playing surfaces for cards or chess. These versatile items stood against walls when closed and moved into the centre of the room during social gatherings.