Antique Mother of Pearl Gaming Counters, Regency Tunbridge Ware Box (c1820-1840)

A rare and highly collectible Regency period Tunbridge Ware gaming counter set, complete with its original fitted box and an exceptional collection of intricately engraved mother of pearl counters.

The original wooden box features a decorative printed oval panel to the lid and retains its original paper label inside reading:

“A View of the Pavilion at Brighton”
“Pub. by G. Wise, Tunbridge”

This original label provides a wonderful connection to Regency England and helps date the set to approximately 1820-1840, during the period when Brighton’s Royal Pavilion had become one of Britain’s most fashionable landmarks.

The set contains an impressive assortment of beautifully hand-engraved natural mother of pearl gaming counters, each individually cut and decorated with delicate floral, geometric and foliate designs. The iridescence of the shell changes beautifully as it catches the light, revealing remarkable craftsmanship that is difficult to appreciate fully in photographs.

Unlike many surviving examples which are incomplete, this set retains an extensive quantity of original counters in multiple shapes and sizes.

Contents

• 41 long rectangular counters
• 12 short rectangular counters
• 48 small oblong counters
• 17 short oblong counters
• 2 round counters

Total: 120 original mother of pearl gaming counters

The counters were traditionally used for games such as Whist, Quadrille and other fashionable card games played throughout the Regency and early Victorian periods. Today they are highly sought after by collectors of Tunbridge Ware, Regency antiques, gaming memorabilia and mother of pearl objects.

The original Tunbridge box displays honest age-related wear and patina consistent with over 180 years of age. The lock is present although no key accompanies the box. The interior shows expected wear from generations of use, while the original printed Brighton Pavilion label remains an especially charming survival.

Condition

Good genuine antique condition.

The mother of pearl counters are in very good antique condition overall with expected minor age-related wear. The original Tunbridge box has surface wear, marks, scratches and interior wear commensurate with age and use. Please study all photographs carefully as they form an important part of the description.

The display table shown in the photographs is not included in the sale.

A scarce and increasingly difficult-to-find complete Regency gaming counter set, offering outstanding decorative appeal together with genuine historical interest. An exceptional addition to any collection of Tunbridge Ware, Regency antiques or English decorative arts.