Gaming Counter with the Arms of Perceval

Gaming Counter with the Arms of Perceval

            This service with the arms of Perceval was made either for Sir John Perceval or his son John Perceval. Sir John Perceval was MP for Cork 1703-15 and for Harwich 1722-34. He was appointed to first President of the state of Georgia in 1734 and granted the title of Earl in the same year. In 1710, he married Catherine Parker, daughter of a Baronet. Their son John was born in 1711. As the first son, John was raised to Earl at the same time as his father and succeeded his father after his death in 1749. Ironically, he also married a woman named Catherine and together they had a son named Spencer who achieved a Prime minister position before he was murdered in 1812 in the Lobby of the House of Commons.[i]

Note the two supporters flanking the sides of the shield. Only members of the peerage, such as Earls, are allowed to show supporters.[ii]  The counter is dated after 1734, since Pervecal was not in the peerage until he was grated the title of Earl. These supporters are eagles, which stand for a man of action, intellect, ingenuity, and as a Christian symbol for salvation, redemption, and resurrection.[iii]

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

1734 - 1770

Mother-of-Pearl

15.39.62

Made in Guagzhou (Canton), China

1.375" Diameter