Hobby box - Card game box - Wood - Magic box, poker box

Antique Victorian playing box with 4 card cases and game counters – circa 1870–1890

A special antique playing and card compendium from the late 19th century, presumably English/Victorian, dating to around 1870–1890.

The rectangular wooden box is finished in a dark tone and fitted with brass fittings and decorative white inlays/pins. Under the hinged lid is a beautifully organized interior with four separate removable card cases. The knobs of these cases feature the different card symbols and colors.

In the central compartment there is a substantial collection of original old game counters in three different shapes, including round, square/rectangular, and elongated variants. The material appears to be bone, but has not been further tested. These various counters were used to keep track of bets or scores in historical card and parlor games.

The four removable boxes were intended for playing cards. The original cards are no longer present. The box itself, the four card cases, and the counters present are offered together as pictured.

An attractive detail is the careful arrangement: each card case has its own place in the interior and can be removed separately. The original brass key plate and the old hinges are also preserved.

Dimensions: approximately 27 × 16.5 × 6.5 cm.

Condition: authentic used condition consistent with considerable age. There are scratches, small damages, wear, and localized material/finishing loss visible. The underside has been relined in the past; this lining is heavily worn and partially missing. One of the decorative white elements on the top is missing. Key and playing cards are missing. See the extensive photos for exact condition.

A decorative and collectible 19th-century playing compendium, of interest to collectors of historical games, playing cards, and Victorian-era curios.