Description

Whist was a popular card game during the period and had a growing interest in the common classes owing to a demand for a less expensive alternative to the fancy-schmancy counting dials and accessories of previous times. This particular type was first patented and commercially produced on a large scale in 1868 in England. Like many, many patented items it made it’s first appearances before the patent date, which often occurred when some larger company recognized the value already established, purchased the rights and patented it for large scale production. Exactly when is uncertain but the market for such items produced other patented alternatives as early as the 1850s. It was patented by Goodall, a firm that was already very well established in the production of such goods and certainly had a motive for cornering the market on new technology and popularity. This configuration proved so popular due to it’s compact simplicity that it was subsequently marketed up to the affluent made in exotic precious materials and metals with ornate embellishments. Flat two piece block of a light wood with different sized keys that flip up for counting made in a contrasting dark wood. Nice even wear and patina overall. The humble man’s whist counter and collectible at any rate.