{"product_id":"score-piece","title":"Victorian Scottish Tartanware Bezique Score Counter with Original Pegs, c. 1870–1900","description":"\u003cp data-end=\"668\" data-start=\"347\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e3\" H x 2\" W x .5\" D\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"668\" data-start=\"347\"\u003eThis charming Victorian tartanware piece is a traditional Bezique score counter, made to track points during play of the popular 19th-century parlor card game. Bezique was widely enjoyed throughout Britain in the late Victorian era, particularly as a refined two-player game played in drawing rooms and private clubs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1014\" data-start=\"670\"\u003eThe score counter features a classic tartan-patterned surface with gilt numbering, allowing scores to be recorded in tens and hundreds using two original pegs. One peg is red and the other cream, each corresponding to a player. Scores are tracked by moving the pegs along the numbered holes, an elegant and tactile alternative to pen and paper.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1381\" data-start=\"1016\"\u003eConstructed with a solid wood core and finished with an ebonized edge, the piece includes a brass swivel latch at the top that secures the peg wells when not in use. The tartan decoration reflects the Victorian fascination with Scottish identity and Highland romanticism, a design trend that extended into decorative objects, games, and souvenirs during the period.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1654\" data-start=\"1383\"\u003eBoth original pegs are present, a detail that significantly enhances the collectibility of this piece. Today, it serves beautifully as a decorative object for a desk, library shelf, or games vignette, while still retaining its original functionality and historical charm.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eThe surface shows expected wear to the tartan finish, including light rubbing and areas of varnish loss. The edges display minor scuffing and wear. The brass latch has developed a warm, natural patina. Both original pegs are present and intact, showing age-appropriate wear\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Austyn Marie","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50881671201046,"sku":"AMD-03373","price":425.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0896\/4623\/5926\/files\/0C4FFB1E-9C69-466D-A81E-3F113F82E1A2_1_201_a.jpg?v=1766788929","url":"https:\/\/austyn-marie.myshopify.com\/products\/score-piece","provider":"Austyn Marie Design","version":"1.0","type":"link"}