Antique Games Tables

Authenticating a genuine period games table begins with the construction. Hand-cut dovetail joints, mortise-and-tenon frames and secondary-wood drawer bottoms in oak or poplar are reliable signs of pre-industrial craftsmanship. An ébéniste's stamp struck beneath the top or inside a drawer — ideally accompanied by the Parisian guild mark (JME) — is the strongest guarantee for pieces made before the Revolution. Be cautious with 19th-century reproductions: they are often beautifully made but lack this hallmark.

In terms of timber, mahogany games tables dominate Directoire and Empire production, while tulipwood and rosewood characterise quality Louis XV and Louis XVI pieces. Lighter woods — maple, lemonwood, elm burr — are typical of Restauration and Charles X output. Always inspect the reversible top carefully: original baize or leather, however worn, is preferable to a recent replacement that may conceal structural damage beneath.

Prices for an antique games table vary widely according to period, timber, the presence of a maker's stamp and overall condition. Expect to pay from around £350–£1,200 for an unsigned provincial piece, £1,800–£7,000 for a stamped Parisian ébéniste example, and considerably more for a documented masterwork. Marquetry games tables decorated with trophies or foliate scrollwork regularly achieve strong results at auction.

Every piece listed on Antiquités en France is offered by a verified professional dealer who can supply detailed photographs, exact dimensions and full provenance history. Contact the dealer directly to request a condition report or restoration certificate before committing to a purchase.