Game Counters

A traditional game counter often refered to as a Norfolk Liar. These counters have four dials,two on the front (silver) - pheasants and partridges and two on the back (brass) - hares and rabbits. The dials only turn clockwise and each dial counts to a maximum of 30. They measure 2½" long and 1¼" wide and ¼" deep; each weighs 50 grms.

The purpose of these victorian counters was ( and is ) to keep your own private score of game accounted for either by drive or as a daily total. They are constructed so that they may be operated by touch and with only a glance to see which face is uppermost ( silver - feather, brass - fur ) you know that pheasants are at the top of the silver side and hares are at the same place on the brass side, so that with a passing glance the gun can click his score without making it obvious.

The old counters fetch about a grand at auction and you can hardly tell that these counters are new - they have been very slightly aged. They come with a long round brown leather thong which lets the counter rest about 6" above the trouser line, so no straining to work it. We usually have named counters in stock - Purdey, Holland, Hawksley etc. We also have a solid sterling silver option, a little bit more expensive - but what a gift! the "brass " side of these is gilded to give the fur and feather option. We can also supply solid silver chains of the correct length.

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