Thanks, Pete. The problem is I have not had a response from those whom I wrote who might know exactly why the piece is engraved with the date with the exception of two simply asking how much do I want for it. The eBay sale where it was listed did not include the term "Whist" in either the title or description and perhaps that's why there was only a few bids where I expected many from those who collect Whist markers around the world. I did not see any type of marker on the Whist Marker Museum website or on any site with photos of Whist Markers and, not a one of any of what is illustrated has an engraved date... When I found the Bezique marker (a French card game) with an engraved monogram on the Ivory frame I had asked and searched as well with most responses asking how much do I want for it and very little else... unlike here in our arena where when someone not in the hobby asks a question about a gambling chip the cooperation is outstanding...

The piece is made with rubies as seen in the movement of fine watches along with silver and Mother-of-Pearl, unlike any other marker seen online and I.think that maybe it was a presentation for some game on that date.

This is what the piece was in when I received it from the seller.





Thanks, again...