(ca. 1680) Game counter box or tube. Cylindrical, 36 mm tall, 25 mm in diameter. Extremely Fine or better.
345.7 grains. Marked IC in a heart cartouche on lid, engraved initials M B on either side. Nice old patina over previously polished surfaces. Well made, with a precision-sized unthreaded lid that opens cleanly and remains closed. As noted in the Morton and Eden cataloging in 2002, "the mark is recorded on a touch-plate at the Goldsmith's Hall, London, dating from circa 1680" but has not been fully identified. Tubes like this were standard game table accessories in the homes of the wealthy in 17th century and 18th century England. Counters were usually brass, occasionally silver, but a counter box housing 19 rare and valuable American colonial coins is unique as far as we know.
From the Sydney F. Martin Collection. Earlier "discovered at Fulbeck Hall, Linconshire, the seat of the Fane family;" Morton and Eden's sale of November 2002, lot 786; Lawrence R. Stack Collection, November 2006.

Estimate: $2200