Aesthetic Movement Ebonised Console And Card Table By James Shoolbred London

A superb little Aesthetic Movement Card Table that also makes a perfect Console Table.  In black mahogany ebonised and gilt finish with it original red baize inset top.

This piece contains so many wonderful detailing, the gallery border detail is matched by the same gallery detail stretchers, reeded detailing to the fronts which follows to the rounded side motifs which gives this piece its authentic Anglo-Japanese influence of the period.

Lovely leg design with square top, with fine turned detailing leading to an octagon shape then circular and back to octagon where the stretchers meet, then tapers to a concave foot.

A well made piece, in mahogany with a master-craftsman finish.  The top cleverly swivels on an off-centre axis to open the red baize top which has rebated brass hinges.  Swivelling the top reveals a hidden secret shelf area (used to keep playing cards/dice), a perfect place for discreet storage of valuables.

A wonderful decorative piece and a superb interior design piece that could be used in a hallway, bedroom or living room setting.  In excellent sound condition, with some age related wear to the ebonised and gilt finish.  The item is clean and ready for installation.

When opened the table top measures 91.5cm x 90cm / 36″ x 35.5″

About the maker:

James Shoolbred & Co was established in the 1820’s as a draper’s shop, at Tottenham Court Road, London. The company first began supplying textiles to the furniture trade. By the 1860’s, the company began designing, manufacturing and selling high quality antique furniture.   By the 1880’s, the company had expanded to such an extent that the business had to move to larger premises, becoming one of the first large department stores in London,.  By the mid-1880 James Shoolbred was granted a Royal warrant and their Victorian furniture was of the best quality available of the late Victorian period. Unfortunately, as with most great Victorian designers and furniture makers, James Shoolbred & Co didn’t survive the financial crisis of the late 1920’s and ceased trading in 1931.