19th century VEGETABLE IVORY POKER CHIPS

Description

We have a small quantity of these original 19th century poker chips and are offering them here by the ? dozen for the collector who would enjoy a small display example without spending lots of money. Each measures approximately 1 1/8" in diameter. Particularly popular in the earlier to mid 1800?s as a base for ornate carving of such items as sewing basket items, ornamental Victorian style jewelry and the like, the pulp of the Tagua nut. (Pronounced: Ta qwa or Tah gwa) was also used extensively through this period in more utilitarian applications. In the pre plastic world of the 19th century everything from buttons to surgical instrument handles and even poker chips were found made from this substitute for bone or ivory . An attractive display companion for any Civil War, Indian Wars, wild West or period gaming collection, these nicely patinaed poker chips are in excellent, all original condition.