Christopher Clarke Antiques

Sailor’s Cribbage Board

Made of oak, this board is decorated with a carved rope moulding around the ivory cribbage marker and has an inset brass button to the handle. The button has a fouled anchor with rope twist border and would originally have been on a British naval uniform. To the bottom of the board is a compartment for the counting pegs with a bone slide lid. The bottom of the board is covered with a remnant of sailcloth. All the recycled materials and the symbols used suggest that this was made by a sailor. Its making not only helped to pass the time but the board would be useful for gaming. The antique period is early to mid 19th century.