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Description: A FINE PAIR OF GEORGE III MAHOGANY CONCERTINA-ACTION CARD TABLES CIRCA 1760 each rectangular figured top opening to a baize-lined surface and supported on concertina-action frames with figured veneered apron with foliate carving on cabriole legs with scroll toes; some hinges stamped WS. height 28 1/2 in.; width 38 1/2 in.; depth 18 1/2 in. (72.4cm.; 97.8cm.; 47cm.)

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Dimensions: depth 18 1/2 in. (72.4

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Provenance: Devenish and Company, New York The sinuous lines of these unusual card tables clearly illustrate the French influence on English furniture designers and cabinetmakers during the second half of the 18th century. The richly figured veneers on the apron are complimented by the crisp rococo form carving of the foliate scrolls and cabochon-ornamented moldings and the simply molded cabriole legs with their inwardly paper scrolled toes. Their design seems to have few documented parallels, although comparison may be drawn with a suite of furniture supplied by Thomas Chippendale for the Blue Drawing Room at Dumfries House which includes a pair of serpentine-form card tables. See Christopher Gilbert, The Life and Work of Thomas Chippendale, New York, 1978, pp. 220-1, figs. 402-404.