Pair of Bezique Markers
primary
Unknown
Dateafter 1880
Place MadeEngland, Europe
MediumPlastic and wood
Dimensions8.7 x 5.7 x 0.8 cm (3 7/16 x 2 1/4 x 5/16 in.)
ClassificationsArchival Material
Credit LineIsabella Stewart Gardner Museum, Boston
Accession numberU11n33.1-3
eMuseum ID729677
EmbARK ObjectID11550
Previous NumberU11n33.1-2
Previous Number174
TMS Source ID744
Last Updated1/9/25
Status
Not on viewWeb Commentary
Although these bezique markers boast the ingenious British “pop-up” indicator design created in the 1880s by playing card maker Charles Goodall & Sons, the inexpensive material suggests they were made on the European continent for export.
Isabella probably acquired these markers during her extensive travels around Europe in the late 19th century, where the trick-taking card game was reaching the height of its popularity.
BibliographyNotesDeandra Duarte, “The Hand Isabella Dealt: A Selection of Playing Cards in the Collection,” Inside the Collection (blog), Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, 7 January 2025, www.gardnermuseum.org/blog/isabella-playing-cards-collection
MarksNotesInscribed (on indicators): 5000 / 1000 / 500 / 100 / 50 / 10 / 5 / 1
Carved (outer edge, center): DF [unknown initials]
Carved (outer edge, center): DF [unknown initials]
ProvenanceNotesEntered Isabella Stewart Gardner's collection at an unknown date.
