Gaming Counter with the Arms of Nicholson

Gaming Counter with the Arms of Nicholson

This counter comes from an early eighteenth-century set likely made for Christopher Nicholson ( ?-1775) or his father Thomas (1622-?). The service was most likely produced for Christopher following Thomas’ death, but since Thomas’ date of death is unknown we cannot be sure who the intended owner was.[i] The Nicholsons, originally from Poulton at Lancashire, migrated to Ireland in the seventeenth century. In 1648 the family purchased the Balrath Burry Estate in County Meath. Thomas served as the High Sheriff of County Meath in 1704, as did his son in 1735. Thomas Nicolson was the son of Gilbert Nicholson (1620-1709). Thomas married three times. He had children by his first two marriages. His third marriage was to Rose Pepper the widow of Simon Pepper. Thomas’ eldest surviving son was Christopher Nicolson. Christopher married Eleanor Pepper, the only daughter of Simon and Rose Pepper, in 1723.[ii]

 

 

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

1730

Mother-of-Pearl

2015.39.48

Guangzhou (Canton), China

1.38 in