Poker set - Empire - Bone

19th-Century Empire Bone Poker Set.

A distinctive 19th-century Empire poker set in painted bone and wood, comprising colourful gaming counters, scoring boards and a fitted wooden case. The set reflects the refined gaming culture of affluent European households during the Empire period.

The ensemble includes round counters and rectangular plaques in two sizes, with cream-coloured bone borders and painted fields in yellow, pale green, red and purple. Their geometric decoration and varied colours distinguish the different gaming groups.

The dark wooden case features fine rectangular borders and a central engraved brass-coloured cartouche, apparently without inscription or monogram. The fitted interior contains four removable counter trays, a central compartment for a shallow wooden dish, and two wooden scoring boards with folding metal tabs.

The locking mechanism is in working order with its original key.

The combination of painted bone counters, fitted compartments and restrained decoration is characteristic of sophisticated Empire-period gaming accessories, reflecting the importance of card playing and private entertainment in 19th-century European society.

Condition: Good overall antique condition with attractive age patina. Counters show scratches, paint wear and discolouration. The box and trays display finish losses.

An attractive collectible for enthusiasts of Empire decorative arts, antique games, painted bone objects and historic gaming coffrets.