Gaming Table
Period1760 - 1775
MediumMahogany, hard pine, and tulip poplar
DimensionsClosed: 29.75 × 40.25 × 22.5 in. (75.6 × 102.2 × 57.2 cm)
ClassificationsTables and Stands
Credit LineGift of Miss Sara Smock Boice, 1963
Object number2017.714
DescriptionAn oversized gaming table that includes a hinged top with projecting cutout turret corners above a wide, plain skirt with rounded front edges. Five bracketed cabriole legs end in carved claw and ball feet. The fifth leg swings out from the back rail to support the table top leaf when opened.Curatorial RemarksThis large gaming table shows the influence of New York City cabinetmaking with its fifth leg and blocky claw and ball feet. It was, however, probably made in central New Jersey given its provenance and other simple construction details. The top and leaf were fashioned from a single board as their grain matches.NotesNumerous labels that are affixed to the underside of the table provide the basics for its history of ownership. An old handwritten paper label reads, "To be given to Monmouth County Historical Association / Game Table / Belonged to my great grandparents / George Boice b. 1766 / married Providence Runyon b. 1768 / Sara S. Boice." A second handwritten adhesive label reads, "6/63 - Gift of Miss Sara Smock Boice Wayne PA / 18th cent Mahogany Gaming Table." The original owner, George Boice (1766 - 1854) was from New Brunswick, Middlesex County, but late in life relocated to Marlboro, Monmouth County, where he died. The table then descended through three generations of his family to a great granddaughter, Sara Smock Boice (1882 - 1970) of East Windsor, Mercer County. Late in life, Miss Boice removed to Wayne, PA.
Collections
ProvenanceGeorge Boice (1766 - 1854) of New Brunswick, Middlesex County; to his son James V. S. Boice (1799 - 1881); to his son Peter Runyon Boice (1832 - 1905) of Marlboro, Monmouth County; to his daughter Sara Smock Boice (1882 - 1970) of East Windsor, Mercer County.
