George III Sabicu Card Tables

Country: English

Date: Circa 1775 - 1785

Medium: Satinwood, Tulipwood, Sabicu, Satin Birch

Dimensions

Height: 74.00cm (29.13 inches)

Width: 99.00cm (38.98 inches)

Depth: 46.00cm (18.11 inches)

Main description

This pair of 18th-century George III demi-lune card tables, attributed to John Cobb, dates to circa 1775–1785. They are a significant example of Hepplewhite-period marquetry.

The semi-elliptical tops are executed in sabicu and centred by an intricate floral marquetry bouquet. The skill in the marquetry is notable, utilising a variety of exotic woods to achieve a subtle, painterly depth. The tops are framed by a striking satin birch or ‘bok’ wood banding, finished with an outer cross banding of tulipwood that defines their silhouette.

The friezes are crafted from sabicu wood and mirror the meticulous detailing of the tops, featuring tulipwood cross banding flanked by inlaid satinwood flutes. The tables are supported by tapered legs, also cross banded, which terminate in elegant block feet.

View the complete Freshfords Tables collection.

Who Was John Cobb?

John Cobb was one of England’s most important cabinet makers during the reigns of George II and George III. Best known for his partnership with William Vile, Cobb supplied exceptional furniture to the Royal Household and Britain’s aristocracy, producing some of the finest examples of eighteenth century English cabinet making.

For further information, see our Makers and Retailers encyclopaedia on John Cobb.

What Is a Card Table?

A card table is a table designed specifically for playing cards and other parlour games, typically featuring a hinged fold over top lined with baize or leather. Highly fashionable during the Georgian and Regency periods, card tables combined elegant cabinet making with practical mechanisms that allowed them to serve as decorative console tables when closed.

For further information, see our Antique Furniture Periods encyclopaedia on Antique Tables: Occasional and Dining.

What Is Sabicu?

Sabicu is a dense tropical hardwood native to Cuba and the Caribbean, prized for its exceptional strength, rich reddish brown colouring and attractive interlocking grain. During the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, Sabicu was used by cabinet makers for fine furniture, library tables, desks and structural components where durability was essential. Although less common than Cuban mahogany, its hardness and distinctive appearance made it a respected timber among leading furniture makers.

For further information, see our Woods encyclopaedia on Sabicu.

What Is Satin Birch?

Satin birch is a highly decorative timber valued for its fine grain, pale golden colouring and natural silky lustre. Most commonly sourced from Northern Europe and Scandinavia, it became popular during the nineteenth century as an attractive alternative to satinwood. Satin birch was widely used for veneers, cabinet work, bedroom furniture and decorative interior joinery, particularly during the Victorian and Edwardian periods.

For further information, see our Woods encyclopaedia on Satin Birch.

What Is Satinwood?

Satinwood is a highly decorative hardwood recognised for its bright golden colouring and natural lustre. It became one of the defining cabinet making timbers of the late Georgian and Regency periods, particularly for veneers, cross banding and marquetry.

For further information, see our Woods encyclopaedia on Satinwood.

What Is Tulipwood?

Tulipwood is a highly decorative exotic hardwood recognised for its pinkish colouring and fine striped grain. It was widely used during the Georgian and Regency periods for crossbanding, stringing, marquetry and decorative veneers, often providing contrast against mahogany, satinwood and kingwood.

For further information, see our Woods encyclopaedia on Tulipwood.

What Is the George III Period?

The George III period (1760–1820) is widely regarded as one of the finest periods of English furniture making. Influenced by designers such as Thomas Chippendale, George Hepplewhite and Thomas Sheraton, furniture from the period is recognised for its elegant proportions, high quality cabinet making and the widespread use of mahogany, satinwood and other fine timbers.

For further information, see our Antique Furniture Periods encyclopaedia on the Georgian Period.

Why Buy From Freshfords Antiques?

Established in 1987, Freshfords Antiques has spent nearly four decades sourcing and curating the finest examples of English antique furniture. Our reputation is built upon a deep-rooted specialism in the Georgian and Regency periods, where we focus on selecting pieces that retain their genuine age, original patination, and unimpeachable authenticity. We believe that an antique should not only be a significant historical object but also a functional and beautiful addition to a contemporary home.

As proud members of the British Antique Dealers’ Association (BADA), we operate under a rigorously enforced code of conduct that prioritises professional integrity and expertise. Membership of BADA is only granted after a thorough election procedure and is subject to annual review, ensuring that our clients can purchase with complete confidence. When you acquire a piece from Freshfords, you are benefiting from a wealth of experience, a dedication to craftsmanship, and a commitment to preserving the heritage of the finest English cabinet making.