Folding English Cribbage Board and Card Box , MOP Inlay, c.1830s

Antiques : Cribbage Boards : Late Georgian Mop

 

Extremely beautiful English folding cribbage board and card box, made of what appears to me to be Brazilian rosewood, with gorgeous mother of pearl inlays, from the late Georgian or early Victorian period, c.1830s. The box is hinged at the center, and when closed is secured by a hook and metal ring. When open the box is approximately 10.5” long by 3.4” wide, and 1.1” high; when closed it is approximately half as long, and sits twice as high. It came to me without pegs, and I have added 4 bone pegs – 2 red, 2 white – that were recently made, but fit well and look in keeping. The interior of the box has retained its original fabric; however, there was once a wood piece that fit into grooves at one end of the box to secure the pegs under the lip of the box, and that piece of wood is missing.

The board/box is in exceptional condition. There are only the slightest indications of age to the exterior, and the finish appears to me to be original to the piece. The interior is in very good original condition, although there is some mild staining to the fabric and the missing strip of wood noted above. The hook holds tight and secure when the box is closed, and there are no issues at the hinges. Altogether, an extraordinary antique.

Reference: Clarke & O’Kelly, Antique Boxes, Tea Caddies, & Society 1700-1880, pp. 37, 237, 284.

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Item ID: T0000685