What is a quadruped games table?

A quadruped games table is a nineteenth-century folding table designed for cards and social gatherings, supported by a four-legged or four-pillar base. These pieces typically feature a swivel or fold-over top that conceals a well or playing surface lined with baize or polished wood.

How were these tables used?

Households utilised them in parlours and drawing rooms as occasional furniture during the day, opening them up in the evening for card games. Their dual function made them practical for entertaining guests without permanently occupying the centre of the room with a large table.

Which woods are most common?

Mahogany and rosewood dominate the listings, particularly from the Regency period, often enhanced with brass inlay or mounted details. Victorian examples frequently introduce walnut and burr walnut, sometimes decorated with floral marquetry or satinwood highlights.

How do I identify a Regency table?

Regency pieces often display rosewood or mahogany with precise brass stringing, inlay, and classical architectural proportions. They date from the early nineteenth century and frequently incorporate lyre-shaped supports or formal pillar bases.