19th Century French Neoclassical Walnut Flip-Top Game Table

19th Century French Neoclassical Walnut Flip-Top Game Table is an exquisitely preserved relic from the Napoleon III Period, when those who had the luxury of leisure time entertained themselves with games such as cards, backgammon and chess.  This wonderful piece was sculpted from fine French walnut, and features a top that appears solid but is in fact on a swivel to rotate 90 degrees which reveals a compartment for cards and game pieces, then flips open to double in size presenting a felt top playing table.  The apron is finished all around with finely carved detailing including exaggerated repeating egg accented with acanthus fronds.  Support is provided by four elegantly turned and carved column legs which in turn rest upon an "H" structure that is fully carved as well, featuring four dolphins in amazing detail sculpted to create the feet.  Even the small pendant finials that are shaped like pawns in a chess game are still intact, appearing under the casework on each end!
Circa 1870s
Measures 30H x 35W x 17.5D; opens to 35D