Gaming Counter with the Arms of Godfrey

Gaming Counter with the Arms of Godfrey

This counter is among the oldest in the collection and was likely designed for Ombre — a Spanish card game that requires a steadfast approach.[1]

It was ordered by the Godfrey family of Kent, along with around four sets of Chinese armorial porcelain, between 1718 and 1728.[2]

Records do not indicate for whom this counter was made. This omission likely occurred because Peter Godfrey was highly involved in trade with Asia, serving as a Supercargo[3] in Canton prior to becoming Chief of Council of the East India Company in 1728.[4] Because he conducted a great deal of business in Canton and this was a personal acquisition, Godfrey probably did not carefully document this purchase.

This Godfrey counter displays the family’s coat of arms and crest. The motto, Corde Fixam, means “steadfast heart” in Latin — a helpful trait to have when playing Ombre. 

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

1718-1728

Mother-of-Pearl

2015.39.32

Guangzhou (Canton), China

3.03 inches long