Small Pair of Demi Lune Card Tables Attributed to John Linnell

Small Pair of Demi Lune Card Tables Attributed to John Linnell

A refined pair of George III demi lune card tables of compact proportions, attributed to the esteemed cabinetmaker John Linnell. Exquisitely crafted in late 18th-century England, these elegant accent tables exemplify the sophistication and restraint of the period’s neoclassical style.

Origin: England
Date: Circa 1790
Material: Fiddleback mahogany with parquetry, inlay, and baize

Dimensions: Height: 81 cm (32 in), Width: 81 cm (32 in), Depth: 37 cm (14.5 in)

Condition: Excellent patina, minor age-related wear

These console tables are notable for their brilliant interplay of symmetry and decorative detail, distinctively echoing revered pieces held in British museum collections. The pairing is attributed to John Linnell, a pivotal figure among London’s late Georgian cabinetmakers, whose craftsmanship and refined neoclassical designs influenced both peer artisans and fashionable patrons of the age.

Notable Features:

• Parquetry tops that open delicately to reveal the original baize playing surface, supported seamlessly by well-balanced gate legs.
• The frieze is expertly veneered in fiddleback mahogany, enriched with finely inlaid paterae and swags, while the gently tapering legs are adorned with delicate inlaid harebells and terminate in classic toupie feet.
• Both form and function are considered: the back legs are elegantly finished on all sides, boasting a rare rhomboid profile that distinguishes this pair from ordinary accent tables.

These demi lune card tables are highly prized for their scarcity and desirable small scale, making them especially sought after by collectors of George III antiques. Their attribution to Linnell and superlative decorative inlay further enhance their collecting value. Perfect as statement pieces in a refined interior, they offer practical versatility—equally suited for display in a drawing room, as functional card tables, or as sophisticated console tables anchoring an entryway.

This unique pair of small demi lune card tables not only represents the height of Georgian era craftsmanship and design, but also constitutes a rare opportunity for collectors and connoisseurs of fine British furniture.