Tim Bowen Antiques, Carmarthenshire, Wales

Furniture

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Welsh cricket table

A traditional early 19th century Welsh two-tier cricket table with a wonderfully patinated oak top, on a base made from ash, oak, pine and sycamore with traces of the original finish. A well proportioned table in strong and solid condition.

West Wales circa 1820

28” diameter x 29½” high / 71cm diameter x 75cm high

£2950

Why are cricket tables called cricket tables? – This is one of the most frequent questions I get asked. Dealers and collectors need name for things and whether these three legged table were originally known cricket tables or not ( I don’t think so)  the name is now universally known and used. Is it because the three legs resemble the three stumps in a game of cricket – well maybe….

‘Cricket (crackett) 

A small three legged stool or table; of primitive staked construction; a block stool. The game of cricket (also called stool-ball and played chiefly by young women) probably originated with the use of a stool as a wicket or target at which the ball was thrown.’

Names for Things – a Description of Household Stuff, Furniture and Interiors 1500 – 1700 by Victor Chinnery. Oblong 2016

Or 

‘The true origin of the term is somewhat less fanciful, although its use may be comparatively modern; it is simply derived from an old term for stools. Since the archetypal stool, or “cricket”, has a circular top and three legs, a table of essentially the same form only larger…’

English Country Furniture 1500 – 1900 by David Knell. The Antique Collectors Club 1988

Many of these tables would have originally stood on slate or flagstone floors and a piece of furniture be it a table, stool or chair which has three legs will always remain stable on an uneven floor.