Antique English Mother of Pearl Inlaid Games Box with Period Cards C.1840

Name: Antique English Mother of Pearl Inlaid Games Box with Period Cards C.1840
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA250455
Availability: SoldOut

19th century

Sold by Puckerings

Description

A fabulous very early Victorian playing card or games box dating to around 1840. Made from exotic and expensive Brazillian Rosewood, the box is decorated with three playing cards created from large pieces of Mother of Pearl, quite amazing the size and wonderful condition of these.

Each of the four corners is inlaid with Mother of Pearl floral motifs and the box lid and front is framed in thick pewter stringing.

The interior is an absolute joy, I think the box has hardly been used over the last 175 years, the interior lining is completely original in a self-patterned fabric and the original paper lining. There are four trays which lift the playing cards out, all with their original ribbon handles.

The two oldest sets of cards are the two Hardy & Sons decks (printed design backs) dating to around 1840. The deck with the tiny Fleur-de-Lys design is complete and the deck with the printed blue design on pink is missing the 8 of diamonds and the 6 of clubs.

The two Goodhall decks are (I believe) a little later, dating to around 1860, both in exceptional condition and complete.

The box has some dice and bone counters. A fabulous box in superb condition and complete with a working key.

Item ID: 34884

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Declaration

Puckerings has dated this piece to the 1800s.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA250455

Dealers Internal Reference

34884

Dealers Notes

FREE Worldwide Shipping Directly From London, England

Description

A fabulous very early Victorian playing card or games box dating to around 1840.

“

Made from exotic and expensive Brazillian Rosewood, the box is decorated with three playing cards created from large pieces of Mother of Pearl, quite amazing the size and wonderful condition of these.

Puckerings

fig 1. Antique English Mother of Pearl Inlaid Games Box With Period Cards c.1840 — fig 1. Antique English Mother of Pearl Inlaid Games Box with Period Cards C.1840

Each of the four corners is inlaid with Mother of Pearl floral motifs and the box lid and front is framed in thick pewter stringing.

The interior is an absolute joy, I think the box has hardly been used over the last 175 years, the interior lining is completely original in a self-patterned fabric and the original paper lining. There are four trays which lift the playing cards out, all with their original ribbon handles.

fig 2. Antique English Mother of Pearl Inlaid Games Box With Period Cards c.1840 — fig 2. Antique English Mother of Pearl Inlaid Games Box with Period Cards C.1840

The two oldest sets of cards are the two Hardy & Sons decks (printed design backs) dating to around 1840. The deck with the tiny Fleur-de-Lys design is complete and the deck with the printed blue design on pink is missing the 8 of diamonds and the 6 of clubs.