How do I operate a tilt top mechanism?

Release the brass catch or wooden wedge beneath the surface to allow the top to pivot upright. Ensure the catch engages fully when lowering the table back to the horizontal position.

Where were these tables used in a home?

Georgian households placed them in parlours, libraries, and drawing rooms for tea, reading, or card games. Because the tops folded flat, servants stored them against perimeter walls when floor space was needed.

How can I tell a Georgian table from a Victorian one?

Georgian pieces often feature lighter tripod bases and refined birdcage actions from the eighteenth century. Victorian examples tend toward heavier pedestals, serpentine shaping, and wider dining formats from around eighteen-sixty.

Are these tables suitable for daily dining?

Larger breakfast and dining formats provide sturdy surfaces for regular meals. Smaller wine and occasional tables suit side use rather than heavy seating arrangements.