Description (Labels & Markings)
A handwritten label affixed to the object reads: 'Tray of octagonal form for some card game, divided into eight division. Early 19th century. F.H.H.Guillmard, M.D. Reg.1916.72.' [N.b. despite the Reg. number given here, this object is entered in the standard accession register and not the Blue Book.]
Event Date
Author: David Kay

Description (Physical description)
Accession register entry: 'a tray of octagonal form for some card game, divided into eight divisions four of which are marked with a card the others being, respectively, inscribed 'Intrigue', "Matrimony" and "Game".'
Event Date 1916
Author: David Kay

Context (References)
cf: Parlett, D. (2019) 'Pope Joan: 'The curse of Scotland'' Historic Card Games. https://www.parlettgames.uk/histocs/popejoan.html (last accessed: 19/03/2019)
Event Date 2019
Author: David Kay

Context (Analysis)
Pope Joan was a popular Victorian card game, akin to the modern-day game 'Newmarket', with the board being used to place stakes on particular outcomes using 'fish' (counters/chips) (Parlett 2019).
Event Date 19/3/2019
Author: David Kay

Description (Physical description)
An octagonal tray for playing the card game 'Pope Joan'. Made of wood, with the upper side covered in paper and painted red. Partitions radiate from a central circular hub, forming eight triangular sections. Going clockwise, the sections are decorated with inscriptions or depictions of playing cards as follows: 'GAME', the King of Diamonds, 'INTRIGUE', the 9 of Diamonds, the Ace of Diamonds, the Queen of Diamonds, the Jack of Diamonds, 'MATRIMONY'.
Event Date 19/3/2019
Author: David Kay