In this video, I restore an antique envelope playing cards table, most likely made during the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy. I bought the table from a website in Poland and worked on it with great pleasure for about 300 hours.
The table was in a state of disrepair when I got it. The veneer was loose and broken, and someone had sprayed pink paint.
The restoration process was challenging but rewarding. I learned much about furniture restoration and am very proud of the finished product.
If you want to learn more about antique envelope card tables or furniture restoration, I encourage you to watch this video.

More about the restoration/transformation process:
I bought this card table from a website in Poland. I had to drive a few miles to get it. The table cost quite a lot, but that didn't matter, especially as it came with all these wonderful old playing cards plus other games.
The process of restoring the table went well. I used various types of stain, made my shellac, and replaced the damaged veneer.
I hope I have caught everything, but if you have any questions, you can comment, and I'll get back to you!

A short history of envelope cards table:
The history of antique envelope card tables dates back to the 18th century. The first envelope card tables were made in England, quickly becoming popular throughout Europe. These tables were designed to be portable and easy to set up, making them ideal for gaming parties and social gatherings.
Envelope card tables get their name from the way their tops fold down. The top of the table is divided into four sections, which can be folded down and nested together. This creates a compact, envelope-shaped package that can easily store or transport.
The earliest envelope card tables were made of wood but often decorated with brass or silver mounts. In the 19th century, envelope card tables began to be made of more exotic materials, such as marble and ivory.
Envelope card tables reached the height of their popularity in the Victorian era. They were often used as a centerpiece in the drawing room or parlor during this time. They were also popular wedding gifts, seen as a symbol of good luck and prosperity.
The popularity of envelope card tables declined in the early 20th century. This was partly due to the rise of new card games, such as Bridge, which required larger tables. However, envelope card tables remain popular among collectors and antique enthusiasts.
Here are some of the most notable features of antique envelope card tables:

They are made of high-quality materials like wood, marble, or ivory.
They are often decorated with brass or silver mounts.
They are portable and easy to set up.
They have a distinctive "envelope" shape when the top is folded down.
They are a symbol of good luck and prosperity.

What games I found in the drawer:
The most interesting are the two decks by Ferdinand Piatnik & Söhne Wien. It is an Austrian playing card company founded in 1824 by Ferdinand Piatnik. The company is based in Vienna and is one of the world's oldest and largest playing card companies.
Piatnik began his career as a painter of playing cards. In 1843 he bought the playing card company of Anton Moser and founded his own company. The company was successful from the beginning and quickly expanded into new markets. In the 1850s, Piatnik was already exporting its products to the United States and Great Britain.
In 1891, the company was taken over by the sons of Ferdinand Piatnik. The Sons modernized production and made the company one of the leading playing card manufacturers in the world. Today, Piatnik produces a variety of playing cards, including poker cards, skat cards, bridge cards, and playing cards for children.
The company exports its products to over 70 countries and is one of the market leaders in Europe. Piatnik is also a significant sponsor of cultural events and sporting events. The company is an integral part of Austrian culture and helps to make Austrian culture known abroad.

A Domino game from 1972, many sets of cards made in Austria from the 70s, and a deck of vintage pin-up girls made probably around the 40s - 50s.
In addition, a complete pocket chess board was made in the 50s, and many chips and jetons.

Please ask me if you have any questions about what I used and why! I answer them all!
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Cheers! Johnny.

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