This type of antique French counter—historically known in French as a marqueur de points or compteur de points—was widely produced in France during the 19th and early 20th centuries. The popularity of games like Bésigue (Bezique), Whist, and Piquet created a booming market for elegant pocket-sized scoring tools across the country.
Many of these intricately designed markers were crafted by premium Parisian game manufacturers and toy boutiques. Famous brands like Coyen Paris and the high-end boutique Au Nain Bleu were renowned for making beautiful, pocket-sized game markers with similar rotating bone discs.
This particular counter features two small circular windows that reveal internal rotating dials. One side tracks "Games" won (up to 5 or higher), while the adjacent dial tracks individual "Points" scored within each game. It features highly ornate, Rococo-style die-cast metal corners (often brass or copper with a dark patina) fastened to a dense, aged bone, faux-ivory celluloid, or thick pressed-board body. It measures 3.5" x 1.75" and is in perfect working order.
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