Gaming Counter with the Arms of Warren impaling DeLancey

Gaming Counter with the Arms of Warren impaling DeLancey

“Chase” is the Warren family motto, and the man who owned this gaming counter embraced that message.

Sir Peter Warren (c. 1703-1752) lived for the thrill of the chase. He was a decorated British naval officer and politician.[1] He was a hardworking opportunist who, in his early days, earned money by transporting bullion[2] for the South Sea Company during his military excursions throughout the Atlantic and Caribbean.[3]

Warren met his wife, Susannah DeLancey (1701-1771), during a brief stay in the American colonies as a young captain.[4] She was the daughter of New Yorker, Stephen DeLancey (1663-1741), whose crest is impaled with Warren’s on this counter. They married in 1731 and had six children.[5]

Warren achieved much success at sea, earning the title of Vice Admiral of His Majesty’s Fleet in 1747.[6]  But perhaps his most notable achievement was conquering Cape Breton Island,[7] which he accomplished shortly before becoming Vice Admiral. In this maneuver, Warren’s ship, the Superbe, was aided by three frigates — which likely explains why “Three joined in one” is engraved in Greek around the shield.   

Museum Purchase with Funds provided by H.F. Lenfest, W. Groke Mickey, and the Frances and Beverly M. DuBose Foundation

About 1750

Mother-of-Pearl

2015.39.94

Guangzhou (Canton), China

1.34 inch diameter