One of the contributing authors of "Antique Gambling Chips" - Revised Edition, Derek Cowan, has written a 32-page section on Mother-of-Pearl Game Counters.

One of the most interesting sections of Mr. Cowan's contribution to the book (relating to the use of these pieces in America) mentions that up to 1776, sets commissioned by East Coast families in America went through British traders. The first American ship, Empress of China, arrived at Canton, China, in 1784, and thereafter American trade was direct.

The supply of monogrammed counters for Americans is well-documented. The Peabody Museum of Samlem, MA, has some counters with purchase records at $10 per set -- $4500 at today's rate.

Mr. Cowan goes on to explain that intially the counters purchased by Americans were identical to the styles purchased by the British, but by 1830, Americans dominated the trade at Canton and probably originated some new counter styles such as the thicker, deeply-carved variety.

JB