What is a louis xv games table used for?

These pieces function as compact console or side tables against a wall when folded shut, opening out to reveal a baize-lined surface for card games. Their dual nature made them versatile additions to nineteenth-century drawing rooms where space-saving furniture was prized.

How do I tell an original eighteenth-century table from a nineteenth-century revival piece?

Most examples found today date from the nineteenth century, utilising secondary timbers and mechanical assembly methods typical of that industrial era rather than earlier hand-pegged construction. Revival pieces often display heavier ormolu mounts and crisper veneer work characteristic of major exhibition workshops.

How do I care for wood inlay and ormolu?

Keep the wood nourished with appropriate wax polish and avoid placing the surface in direct sunlight or near heat sources that might cause timber to shrink and veneers to lift. Dust ormolu mounts gently with a soft brush without applying abrasive metal cleaners that can strip the original gilding.

Can I use it as a everyday dining table?

These tables are built with delicate folding mechanisms and veneered tops that are susceptible to moisture, heat, and heavy weight, making them unsuitable for regular dining. They are best utilised as occasional display surfaces or for light card games as originally intended.