We have a client from a Country House , who would like to sell their very early Antique , Heavy carved Billiards table
The table is very ornate and has a thinnish 5 section slate , which is supported on 9 oak internal Muntins and two side beams .
This very old billiards table would have been made around the time when John Thurston introduced slate beds to replace wood bed tables , around the 1850 /1860 period . maybe at the latest early 1870 .
A very nice Oak Quarter sawn wood was used , so it would not have been low cost to manufacture .
in fact around this time a Terraced House would have cost about the same price . around 75 Guineas .
This table is not one of the normal run of the mill tables , it would have been a bespoke order and would have had one of the following design influences .
One of the most ubiquitous carved elements found on premium Early Victorian mahogany, walnut, and rosewood or even Oak furniture is the acanthus leaf. Drawn from Renaissance Revival and neoclassical influences, it mimics a Mediterranean shrub with jagged, curling edges
The Meaning: Historically rooted in ancient Greek and Roman architecture, the acanthus leaf symbolized immortality, eternal life, and rebirth. In Victorian times, it was used to evoke classical authority, prestige, and timelessness
The Motifs: Robust, deeply carved oak leaves, often intertwined with acorns, crowns, or laurel wreaths.
The Meaning: The oak tree was revered as the national tree of England. Carving oak leaves into the wood symbolized strength, victory, endurance, and British national pride. This theme was highly prominent on royal artifacts, such as Queen Victoria’s own ceremonial Jubilee chairs and thrones
My client has listened to my findings , we have established it may not be one of the very early pre 1830 desirable Gillows perod tables ,
but is still a very important design period and of collectable value and not one of the multi modern tables that have very little worth .
This table in the right Auction room on a good day would exceed £10000 plus buyers premium of around 17% , maybe even as high as £12500 plus buyers premium .
Both myself and the client feel that the right price for this table as is on site is £7500 .
Having seen simular tables reach the top end estimates of the sales room of £12500 , we feel this is a come and get me price
The table will have to be dismantled and removed by the Buyer .
Could this table be the ideal centre piece of your period home .
With a repro electric wired gas billiard light , say like a christopher wray light , this would look very good .
and they can be picked up very resonable now .
The scoreboard on the wall is not of the same period , that would be from a Riley billiard dining table .
but its included with the table ,
Also is the modern lighting is with the table .
I know of three Billiard dealers who would sell this table at twice this price .
I asm selling on behalf of the Owner , so you get the table at a much better price .
as you are buying Direct , there is no sales premium to pay , the seller is paying my commision .
GCL Billiards will quote for the removal and delivery work for the Buyer , or you are free to use any billiards firm of choice , and we will recommend one for you if it is better Logistics wise .
All inquiries to Geoff or Carol Large , at GCL Billiards 07753466064
or email c.large@btinternet.com
