Something to pass the leisure hours, often, as noted in soldiers woolworks, to be whilst in India, a brass bound mahogany games compendium. The box itself can serve as a lectern, the rake of the lid determined by a prop that can engage with one of three settings, a ledge to hold a book is stowed beneath the chess pieces.
The first function within the box is that of a lap desk with a fold-out baize-lined writing surface, a pen tray and a pair of inkwells. There are two packs of cards and four turned brass scoring pegs. The reverse of the writing surface is inlaid with a sycamore checkerboard for chess or draughts with scoring strips along two sides. Beneath this is a lift-out tray with a Richard Whitty of Liverpool Staunton pattern chess set. The lid is inlaid with a backgammon board and there is a removable box containing turned wooden pieces for the playing of backgammon or draughts.
English circa 1860.
15.75 in x 10.75 in x 5.25 in
n.b the book photographed is not part of this offering.
Item Code: 4524
£ 2950
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