Gaming Counter with the Arms of Stewart
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This counter has the full arms of Stewart on one side, and the crest of a pelican in her piety, a Christian symbol, on the other. The arms were made for a member of the Stewart family of Jedburg, Scotland, but it is unclear exactly whom the counters were for in particular. There were four services for the family, which all occurred within 10 years of 1722.[i]
This counter was possibly for Sir William Stewart, who was Lord Mayor of London in 1721. Not to be confused with the Mayor of London, who is in charge of the greater London area, the Lord Mayor regulates the businesses within the city of London.[ii] In the eighteenth century, Lord Mayors were attempting to limit gambling; creating a moral predicament if this was indeed a counter for someone who held that position.[iii]
There are symbols in coats of arms that signify birth order. The crescent centered on the top of the shield signifies a second son, indicating this counter was more likely created for Sir William’s second son. Sir William Stewart died in April 1723,[iv] resulting in the passing down of arms to his children.[v] Perhaps this is why this counter was created.
[i] Howard, David Sanctuary. Chinese Armorial Porcelain Volume 1, 1974, page 225.
[ii] https://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/about-the-city/the-lord-mayor/Pages/default.aspx, Feb. 9, 2016.
[iii] http://rictornorton.co.uk/gu14.htm, Feb 9, 2016
[iv] The Gentleman’s Magazine, Volume 163, 1838, page 226
[v] http://rwguide.rootsweb.ancestry.com/lesson19.htm, Feb 17, 2016
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