Portable Card Table by Barker

The design of this mahogany folding card table epitomises the ingenuity of the makers of campaign furniture.

As can be seen, when packed down for travel or storage the table resembles a low box with protective brass corners. It opens up into a card table by simply lifting the top section up from the box base, after the two locking bolts are undone. The four legs are cleverly hinged to fold out until they are vertical and in turn are locked by pulling the sprung, shaped bar down into place. The top can then be doubled in size to reveal its baize. When the table is opened it can be seen that there the base has two L shaped fittings which would originally have held a removable playing card box in place.

The maker's details of Albert Barker Ld. 5 New Bond Street. W. are noted on a plague set into the top. Barker are first listed in the London directories in 1890 and are mostly described as a Silversmith. However, they are also known to have made, or at least retailed, a variety of other goods from jewellery and cutlery to dressing and writing cases. Aside from this model of table Barker's name has also been found on folding card tables and X frame desks with leather interiors. They held Royal Warrants and seemed to be aiming for the luxury goods market which fitted in with their location. The company is no longer listed in the directories by 1940. Circa 1900.