Gaming Counter with the Arms of Godfrey
Title
Gaming Counter with the Arms of Godfrey
Description
Personalized gaming counters like this one were part of a set and used like modern-day poker chips. However, what makes this counter interesting is not what is engraved on it, but what is omitted.
It was ordered by the Godfrey family of Kent, along with roughly four sets of Chinese armorial porcelain, between 1718 and 1728.[1]
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[2] in Canton prior to becoming Chief of Council of the East India Company in 1728.[3] Because he conducted a great deal of business in Canton and this was a personal acquisition, Godfrey probably did not carefully document this purchase.
Godfrey counters usually are engraved with the full coat of arms on one side, and the family crest and motto on the other. However, this set is different.[4] Instead of the family crest and motto, the reverse side is engraved with a floral pattern.
This omission could have been done on purpose or by accident. But given spotty records, we may never know for certain.
It was ordered by the Godfrey family of Kent, along with roughly four sets of Chinese armorial porcelain, between 1718 and 1728.[1]
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[2] in Canton prior to becoming Chief of Council of the East India Company in 1728.[3] Because he conducted a great deal of business in Canton and this was a personal acquisition, Godfrey probably did not carefully document this purchase.
Godfrey counters usually are engraved with the full coat of arms on one side, and the family crest and motto on the other. However, this set is different.[4] Instead of the family crest and motto, the reverse side is engraved with a floral pattern.
This omission could have been done on purpose or by accident. But given spotty records, we may never know for certain.
[1] The Godfrey family of Kent ordered armorial services during this time.
[2] An officer on a merchant ship who has charge of the cargo and its sale and purchase (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/supercargo).
[3] Neal, Counters, p. 8.
[4] Ibid.
Source
Museum Purchase with Funds provided by H.F. Lenfest, W. Groke Mickey, and the Frances and Beverly M. DuBose Foundation
Date
1718-1728
Identifier
2015.39.54
Coverage
Guangzhou (Canton), China
Physical Dimensions
1.38 inch diameter
Files
Collection
Citation
“Gaming Counter with the Arms of Godfrey,” Chinese Armorial Gaming Counters, accessed October 6, 2024, https://chinesearmorialgamingcounters.omeka.wlu.edu/items/show/41.