Campaign Card Table by Ross

An Oak Side Table that extends to become a Card Table by Ross & Co.

To extend the table, the apron to the back of the table is pulled out and the frame extends on a wide tongue and groove joint, much like an Imperial table. The top can then be flipped over to rest on the extended frame and reveal the interior baized playing surface. The two halves of the top are located firmly to each when open by three lugs to the bottom leaf fitting into three holes to the top. When the frame is pulled out without the top opened to cover it, a large storage space is revealed that houses the legs when dismantled.

The legs are numbered one to four in typical Ross typeface with corresponding numbers to their sockets and the steel bolts to fix and remove them are 3 inches in length. The legs have a mix of deep and shallow line turnings and stand on brass casters with ceramic wheels. Interestingly, on one leg, the size of the blank must have been ever so slightly too small as on close inspection there are flat sections on the widest parts.

The top is baized, with the corners cut to a demi lune to leave a larger area of oak to put a drink or gambling chips etc on. When closed the wide chamfered edge of the top is visible and the bottom edge of the apron has a subtle half round moulding. The ivorine maker's label is set into the top edge of the apron that pulls out to extend the table. It gives the details of 'Ross & Co. Manufacturers 8, 9, 10 Eliss's Quay Dublin'. Although this design of campaign table by Ross is not seen that often, it is known that they were making it, albeit with different turnings etc fashionable to the day before 1860 as a pair with stencils for E. Ross have been seen.

Oak is not a timber that Ross used that often. The top of this table is also veneered in oak, probably to make use of a particularly striking section of grain and to hide the joints used to make it. The table can be used both as a side or consul table and unfolded to play cards or games. Late 19th Century.

The size with the top folded is given. The size of the top when opened to play is 36 by 36 1/2 inches with a height of 28 3/4 .