This is an absolutely stunning, antique, French red tortoiseshell and cut brass 'boulle', ebonised Card or Hall table with fabulous ormolu mounts, c.1860 in date.
The table is beautifully inlaid in cut brass on tortoiseshell with a plethora of exquisite ormolu mounts, and it stands on elegant cabriole legs.
The top lifts up and over to expose the recently re-felted playing surface.
As you swivel the top into position a compartment for storing your cards, pens, and paper is revealed.
It is an absolute masterpiece, exquisitely detailed, engraved and inlaid. The generous gilded bronze ormolu includes figural corner mounts and a Greek God center medallion in high relief.
Rare pieces such as this were created during an era when European Artisans were competing with each other's abilities to construct the most extravagant examples of craftsmanship in existence. Unfortunately, due to the vulnerability of the tortoiseshell inlay, very few have survived, this one has been professionally restored.
Folded down as a Hall feature - 84 wide x 75 tall x 34 deep
The table is beautifully inlaid in cut brass on tortoiseshell with a plethora of exquisite ormolu mounts, and it stands on elegant cabriole legs.
The top lifts up and over to expose the recently re-felted playing surface.
As you swivel the top into position a compartment for storing your cards, pens, and paper is revealed.
It is an absolute masterpiece, exquisitely detailed, engraved and inlaid. The generous gilded bronze ormolu includes figural corner mounts and a Greek God center medallion in high relief.
Rare pieces such as this were created during an era when European Artisans were competing with each other's abilities to construct the most extravagant examples of craftsmanship in existence. Unfortunately, due to the vulnerability of the tortoiseshell inlay, very few have survived, this one has been professionally restored.
Folded down as a Hall feature - 84 wide x 75 tall x 34 deep
Open as a games table -