Sailors Scrimshaw Marine Ivory Gambling Dice

A Sailors Scrimshaw Marine Ivory Gambling Dice Carved from a Sperm Whale Tooth
With designs for a heart, crown, club, spades, anchor and diamond, inlaid with pitch and red wax
Early 19th Century
Size: 2.5cm sq – 1 ins sq
See catalogue no.15, item no.62, for other dice
The life of a ship was extraordinary, especially to anyone coming across it for the first time. Sailors whether naval or merchant were of ‘the wooden world’, a peculiar society with its own manners, dress and language all equally unexpected to an outsider. ‘Nor could I think what world I was in’ one boy remembered of his first going to sea, ‘whether among spirits or devils. All seemed strange; different language and strange expressions of tongue, that I thought myself asleep or in a dream and never properly awake’. (Ramblin’ Jack. Bellamy)
The crown and anchor game for which this dice can be used, originated in the 18th century and is still popular in Bermuda and the Channel Islands. It is strictly controlled and may be played legally only on certain occasions such as Bermuda’s annual cup match cricket game.
Unusual Dice always wanted - please contact with details

Sailors Scrimshaw Marine Ivory Gambling Dice

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+44 (0)7768 236921
+44 (0)7836 684133

enquiries@finch-and-co.co.uk
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ENQUIRIES

+44 (0)7768 236921
+44 (0)7836 684133

enquiries@finch-and-co.co.uk