How do I recognise an authentic antique games table?

Look for hand-cut dovetail joints, mortise-and-tenon construction and secondary-wood drawer bottoms in oak or poplar. An ébéniste's stamp under the top or inside a drawer, combined with an original reversible baize or leather surface, are strong indicators of genuine period manufacture.

What is the price range for an antique games table?

Prices range from roughly £350 for an unsigned provincial piece to several thousand pounds for a stamped Parisian example. A quality Louis XV or Louis XVI tulipwood table with original bronze mounts can exceed £5,000–£8,000, particularly if documented provenance accompanies it.

Which woods are most common in antique games tables?

Mahogany dominates Directoire and Empire production. Tulipwood and rosewood are typical of Louis XV and Louis XVI pieces. Lighter timbers — maple, lemonwood and elm burr — characterise Restauration and Charles X styles, often combined with delicate stringing or geometric marquetry.

How should I care for the top of an antique games table?

Feed the woodwork with natural beeswax twice a year. If the top is leather-lined, use a solvent-free leather conditioner. Avoid prolonged direct sunlight and humidity fluctuations, both of which can cause veneers to lift and joints to loosen over time.

Can an antique games table be shipped internationally?

Yes. Most professional dealers arrange secure specialist art transport for both domestic and international delivery. Always request bespoke crating and transit insurance covering the declared value of the piece before it leaves the dealer's premises.