A Magnificent George II Walnut Card Table

An early Eighteenth-century Burr Walnut concertina action card table of the most fantastic colour and patination, the likes of which we have not seen better.  The shaped and banded top opening to reveal a baize lined playing surface with counter sunk money-wells and candlestands. The frieze, of similar superb colour, with an unusual shell to the centre and the table supported on turned cabriole legs with shells to the front knees and ball & claw feet.  The exterior and interior all with the finest herring bone banding.

Burr-Walnut refers to a specific type of walnut that exhibits a unique grain pattern, characterized by small swirling clusters within the wood.  These burrs are the result of abnormal growth on the tree, typically caused by stress or injury. These veneers are highly sought after in furniture making due to their decorative and appealing nature.  The clusters create a beautiful mosaic-like effect adding depth, surface, and texture.  Because of the formation of these timbers needing drought or storm conditions to impact the living tree, burr veneers are a rarity and usually available in small sections.  Cabinetmakers in the 18^th Century managed to create thin veneers and then lay them in book-matched positions, either halved or quartered which added to the decorative appeal of the surface.