I would like some information about my table. It belonged to my aunt, who lived in New Orleans. I’m not certain how she acquired it, but she and my uncle had it for as long as I can remember, and I am over 70 years old. They may have received it from a family member. I have a hazy recollection of her saying it was English, not French, but I can’t verify that.
J. Henry

Your table is a mahogany English game or card table, circa 1890. There are several clues that can help determine if a piece of furniture is English or American. Secondary woods can provide a clear indication of origin. Secondary wood is wood used for furniture parts, such as drawer sides and bottoms, backs of furniture, and framing under tables. The American craftsman was surrounded by mixed woodlands, and quickly learned to use wood from any type of tree. The English cabinetmakers had few woods to choose from, so they were forced to use pine or oak. Americans used a wide variety of secondary woods, but oak was rarely one of them. Also, the barley twist pedestal base is a characteristic of English furniture.

Since gambling and games were popular pastimes in the 18th and 19th centuries, game and card tables were important pieces of furniture. They were often made in pairs, with circular, tripod, square or pedestal bases. The table tops swivels to reveal a box underneath the top for gaming pieces. There appears to be slight damage to the veneer, but because of the continued popularity of these tables today, your table is worth between $800-$1,000.

My sideboard belonged to my mother’s grandfather. I would like to refurbish it, but I hesitate doing so without checking into the history and value of the piece. It is unusual because of its detailed features: a serpentine-style front, three drawers with keyholes, a two-door cabinet with recessed panels, and the front feet are animal paws on casters. I noticed screw holes in the back, and I believe it had a mirror or some decorative piece attached to it. There is also a 11/2-inch-wide strip of discoloration on the sideboard top where something sat along the back. I am very interested in any information you may have.
J. Paraggio

Your piece of furniture is a sideboard, but it is also known as a china buffet. A china buffet is the result of a sideboard united with a china cabinet, with characteristics of both included. You are correct in assuming that it is incomplete. The missing piece sat on top and consisted of a decorative crest with a shelf below. Below the shelf was a beveled mirror with two small side shelves for candles. In the 1902 Sears & Roebuck Catalogue there is a china buffet very similar to yours priced at $16.95, “a real bargain.” Of course, today’s values are a little different. If your piece were complete, your china buffet would be worth between $1,000-$1,200. Without the top piece, it is worth between $400-$600.

If you’ve always wanted an appraisal of a special antique or an unusual vintage piece, e-mail a photograph of the item to pennie@insidenorthside.com, or mail to Inside Northside, P.O. Box 9148, Mandeville, LA 70470. Include any known information, such as age of item, place of origin and other historical facts. Photographs cannot be returned, and only those items selected for use in Inside Northside will be appraised.

Pennie Carr is a northshore antiques appraiser, auctioneer and owner of Auction Louisianne, Inc. in Covington. She can be reached at 892-4451.

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