Meriden Britannia “No.35” Cribbage Board, Quadruple Silverplate, c.1870s

Antiques : Cribbage Boards : Meriden "35" Silverplate

 

Outstanding silverplated cribbage board with built in peg tray to the underside, made by Meriden Britannia Co. of Meriden, Connecticut. It is Meriden Board No. 35. Bemis reports that Meriden made cribbage boards during the years 1852-1898, and it is reported elsewhere on the Internet that by 1863 Meriden was the largest maker of plated silver in America. This board dates later than the more famous Meriden No. 30 (see, T00001147, this shop), and so I have dated this board to the 1870s, although that is approximate.

The board is a 3-track board, and features beautiful scroll work on the perimeter. The silverplate is Quadruple Silverplate which means that 8 troy ounces of silver were used to electroplate 144 ounces, four times the amount of silver used in silverplate that is marked “Standard.” The underside of the board is hallmarked with “Meriden B. Company,” and “Quadruple Plate,” and the model number “35.” Measuring the playing surface, the board is approximately 11.5” x 3.8” and sits about .5” high.

The board came with 4 original pegs, but since it is built to accommodate 3-handed cribbage, I have supplied 2 silver contemporary pegs so that a 3-handed game can be played. Frankly, it is unusual that any of the original pegs survived. The pegs are housed in a tray to the underside of the board that slides out, but is designed to catch before it slides out completely. The tray is high quality and a very good design.

The piece is in excellent condition, without any noticeable dents or other issues, and the tray slides in and out very easily – so easily that I tape the tray closed when the board is not in use.

Reference: Bemis, Cribbage Boards 1863-1998, p.100

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Item ID: T00001148