catalog text
ENGLISH VICTORIAN MAHOGANY, BRASS AND GILT METAL SKITTLES-AND-TOP TABLE
Circa late 19th/early 20th century | retaining original skittle pins and metalwork throughout | unmarked
Item # 310IJR04A
This English "Skittles and Top" table game is a rare and remarkable find, featuring the challenging version known as Devil Among the Tinkers. Its design includes an elaborate gallery of gilded metalwork, showcasing a row of five jesters perched atop elegantly turned posts, where the game's red and black wooden pins are arranged. The metalwork impresses with its exceptional casting quality. Surrounding the game top, turned baluster columns support a stringer-inlaid barrier that encircles the play area. The game's base, a simple yet elegant mahogany frame, stands on legs that are both turned and tapered, culminating in ball-turned feet.
The worn patina of the table positively glows under the silky surface, a testament to more than a century of bringing great joy to families and friends. Ideal for a study or a spacious library, this Skittles and Top game table is not only a challenging and engaging pastime but also a striking decorative piece.
Measurements: 35 3/16" H (table only, does not include height of figures) x 31 11/16" D x 66 3/4" W
Condition Report:
General surface wear throughout the table top from the iron top striking and spinning on the table top; light surface wear throughout, much of it oxidized and part of the overall patina, notably one side of the table presents with an area of more distracting abrading and scratches and the molding along the underside of the apron edge is missing below that abrasion; losses to moldings on the legs in a few areas (many of these smoothed down and colored to match the surface); table top is designed to be loose from the frame for easy transport; light wear to the gilding on the figures and gallery; the string and handle are perhaps replaced, all other elements apparently being original. A nicely patinated overall presentation.