A 19th century antique Louis XVI style games table, stamped by the top Belgian cabinet maker VLAANDEREN / HEDDEBAUT-LABAERE ,GENT (HDB:LB) founded in 1810. The table base has been crafted in mahogany with a parqueted veneer wood top.The top has a reversible games top with chess board to one side and checkers to the reverse. When the top is removed entirely it reveals a backgammon playing surface in green felt which has been refurbished. The inlaid gaming surface is flanked by two drawers with one drawer offset on either side , with the whole table raised on square tapering legs terminating in brass caps and castors. The chess pieces I believe to be original to the table, but the other game counters would need to be sourced.

The initials HDB=LB are the mark of the cabinet-maker and furniture retailer Heddebaut-Labaere who was active in Ghent. Little is known about this Belgian cabinetmaker, however, he is mentioned in the ‘Ebénisterie’ section of “La Belgique Industrielle”, the catalogue published by Louis Hauman for the exhibition of Belgian industry products in 1835.  History : An image of Marie-Antoinette’s games room, the ‘Salon de la Paix’ at Versailles showing no fewer than four Tric Trac tables. Games tables were highly fashionable at Versailles and the queen organised gambling evenings several times a week losing huge amounts of money. She had to ask for the king’s financial support which he usually offered happily, despite the royal ban on gaming! The Salon de la Paix was located on the first floor of the chateau next to the queens bedchamber.