A Russian stained karelian birch and fruitwood inlaid mahogany and parquetry games table circa 1785

the hinged swivelling top opening to reveal a tooled leather playing surface

By family tradition formerly in the collection of Prussian Field Marshall Count August Neidhardt von Gneisenau (1760 - 1831)
Thence by descent

There are three cracks to the parquetry inlaid top, which show evidence of restoration and some hairline cracks generally commensurate with age. There are four construction cracks to the inside of the top and minor marks, cracks and scratches throughout. In otherwise good conserved condition.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Field Marshall Count August Neidhardt von Gneisenau (1760-1831) was one of the key figures in rebuilding and reorganizing the Prussian army beaten by Napoleon in 1806 and the architect of its victory during the wars of liberation. From 1811 to 1812 Gneisenau travelled to Austria, Russia, Sweden, and England on secret missions negotiating a new war against Napoleon. In Russia he finalised an analysis of the armed forces for Tsar Alexander I. In 1813 Gneisenau became Field Marshal G.L. von Blücher's chief of staff, a position in which he was largely responsible for planning Prussian, and sometimes Russian, strategy. After the successful battle of Leipzig, Blücher and Gneisenau were the first to advance into the centre of the town. On the market square both were praised by Tsar Alexander I of Russia, Emperor Franz of Austria and King Friedrich Wilhelm III. of Prussia. In 1815, his insistence on the decisive battle and a relentless pursuit proved successful at Waterloo. He died of cholera while campaigning against an insurgent Poland in 1831.