(ca. 1680) Game counter box or tube. Cylindrical, 36 mm tall, 25 mm in diameter. Extremely Fine or better.345.7 grains. Marked IC in a heart cartouche on lid, engraved initials M B on either side. Nice old patina over previously polished surfaces. Well made, with a precision-sized unthreaded lid that opens cleanly and remains closed. As noted in the Morton and Eden cataloging in 2002, "the mark is recorded on a touch-plate at the Goldsmiths Hall, London, dating from circa 1680" but has not been fully identified.<p><p>Tubes like this were standard game table accessories in the homes of the wealthy in 17th century and 18th century England. Counters were usually brass, occasionally silver, but a counter box housing 19 rare and valuable American colonial coins is unique as far as we know.<p>From the Sydney F. Martin Collection. Earlier "discovered at Fulbeck Hall, Linconshire, the seat of the Fane family;" Morton and Edens sale of November 2002, lot 786; Lawrence R. Stack Collection, November 2006.