Rare Charles II Carved Bone Sailors 32 Side Teetotum

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Collection of Elbert H. Parsons, Jr., Huntsvi...

By Brunk Auctions

Jun 23, 2026

Set Reminder 2026-06-23 10:00:00 2026-06-23 10:00:00 America/New_York Bidsquare Bidsquare : Collection of Elbert H. Parsons, Jr., Huntsville, Alabama | June 23, 2026 https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/brunk/collection-of-elbert-h-parsons-jr-huntsville-alabama-june-23-2026-22678
Original surface and vibrant color define Bert Parsons’ well-documented collection, assembled over decades. Highlights include a Stirewalt miniature painted blanket chest, an 1823 dated Prussian blue blanket chest made in Albemarle, Stanly County, NC, with family history, an early Virginia documented painted apothecary cabinet, and a New England Fancy red-painted Windsor bench, as well as metalwork, pottery, Staffordshire, paintings, and six objects from the landmark 2004 “American Fancy” exhibition. Brunk Auctions support@brunkauctions.com

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• Lot Description

  British, mid 17th century, crown to the "1" facet, rich dark golden color and patina, 1-7/8 x 1-7/8 x 1-7/8 in.

  Provenance: Hollis E. Brodrick, Portsmouth, New Hampshire, October 2022 (accompanied by copy of receipt for $4,500); From the Collection of Elbert H. Parsons, Jr., Huntsville, Alabama

  Note: This rare 32-sided bone teetotum features the official royal crown mark, signifying it was an authorized gambling ball for the 17th-century Royal Oak Lottery. Dating to the Restoration era (c. 1660-1690), it represents an alternative to dice used in state-sanctioned lotteries to fund Royalist veterans. Teetotums were banned in the early 1700s. The philosopher John Locke mentions the 32 side teetotum in his 1693 treatise, "Some Thoughts Concerning Education". He suggested that an ivory or bone ball with 32 sides like this one could be used to educate children by replacing the numbers with the alphabet.

• Provenance

  Hollis E. Brodrick, Portsmouth, New Hampshire, October 2022 (accompanied by copy of receipt for $4,500); From the Collection of Elbert H. Parsons, Jr., Huntsville, Alabama

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• Condition
  in a fine state of preservation, typical smoothing to edges and scattered short surface cracks Note - Brunk Auctions makes every effort to offer accurate and thorough information, but encourages prospective bidders to inspect items in person whenever possible. Condition statements are provided as a courtesy for general guidance and should not be considered complete or definitive. They do not represent a warranty or assumption of liability by Brunk Auctions. Certain condition issues may not be specifically noted in the report but may be visible in the accompanying photographs, which are considered part of the overall condition report. Please refer to our Terms of Sale for complete information and contact us for additional photos or information as needed.