A Dutch Rococo mahogany and fruitwood marquetry mechanical games table mid-18th century

the marquetry possibly after, or inspired by the work of Johannes Lingelbach (1622, Frankfurt-1674, Amsterdam)

By repute the collection of John Pierpont Morgan
Thence by descent to his daughter  Mrs. Juliet Hamilton (née Morgan)
The Collection of Helene E. Merrick
Purchased from the above by the present owner

Please note, that the height published is that of the closed table and that the height can very depending on how many leaves are folded down. With scattered age and construction cracks, dents, scuffs and abrasions with the largest crack to tray of lifting cabinet section. Marquetry with very minor lifting, very minor losses and fine cracks. Parquetry border with slightly larger and now restored losses. Refinished, felt replaced. In good 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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Comparative Literature:
Annigje Hofstede, Nederlandse Meubelen van Barok tot Biedermeier, 1700-1830 Haarlem 2004, p. 94 for a restrained comparable version of this table.
Adam Bowett, Early Georgian Furniture 1715-1740,Woodbridge, 2009, pp. 263 and 264.

This remarkable eighteenth-century games table is an elegant and ingenious example of Dutch craftsmanship and design. The tops flips to reveal a gaming service complete with fitted compartments. Dutch cabinet-makers occasionally referred to their furniture as ‘English,’ which undoubtedly reflects the influence of the shape itself with its scrolled carved knees, the cabriole legs and claw and ball feet which derive from English examples produced from 1730 until 1780. In the seventeenth century, Amsterdam has developed into one of the prominent centers of art within Europe, a situation that continued throughout the eighteenth century. Craftsmen from all over the continent found their way into this capital and introduced foreign elements of style, thus exerting an influence on the local artisans which is reflected in the cosmopolitan and international character of the luxury goods and furniture produced. Added to this the fact that the Amsterdam gentry wanted to show they could afford expensive pieces made after the latest fashion. Although this table is certainly the work of a celebrated cabinet-maker names were not really recorded.  

The Royal Palace in Amsterdam is one of three palaces in the Netherlands which is at the disposal of Queen Beatrix by Act of Parliament. The palace was built as city hall during the Dutch Golden Age in the seventeenth century. The palace was built by Jacob van Campen as a town hall and was as such opened on 20 July 1655. It was built on 13,659 wooden piles and cost 8, 5 million gulden. Jacob van Campen was inspired by Roman administrative palaces. The technical implementation was looked after by the town construction master Daniël Stalpaert. The sculptures were executed by Artus Quellijn. In its time the building was one of many candidates for the title of the Eighth Wonder of the World. Also, for a long time it was the largest administrative building in Europe. After the patriot revolution which swept the House of Orange from power a decade earlier, the new Batavian Republic was forced to accept Louis Napoleon, brother of Napoleon Bonaparte, as King Louis I of Holland in 1806. After holding his court at The Hague and Utrecht, Louis Napoleon moved to Amsterdam, and converted the Town Hall into a royal palace. He abdicated on 2 July 1810; his son Napoleon Louis Bonaparte the later Emperor Napoleon III succeeded him for 10 days as King Louis II. Prince William VI of Orange returned to the Netherlands in 1813, after Napoleon fell from power. After his investiture as King William I of the Netherlands, Amsterdam was made the official capital of the United Kingdom of the Netherlands (the seats of government being Brussels and The Hague). The new King realized the importance of having a palace in the capital, and the Town Hall again became a royal palace.