Pair of Revolutionary War Dice with British tax stamp and horn cup, as in museum & books

This is another unique item being offered, it is a pair of bone dice with its horn cup, circa 1740 – 1780. The small cup stands 2 3/4” high with a diameter of 2” on top and 1 1/4” on the base. The dice are half-inch square and have the faint British crown markings.

The onset of the Revolutionary War did nothing to slow down gamblers. The Continental and British armies tossed dice and cards into the knapsacks before they marched off to fight. For commanders on both sides, gambling was a constant problem. Washington’s headquarters repeatedly issued orders trying to stop the wagering.

The dice bear the Crown over “G.R.” mark of British King George III, indicating that the tax had been paid as required by the British Stamp Act of 1765. It was the first serious attempt to assert British governmental authority over the 13 colonies.

The Stamp Tax was passed by the Parliament of Great Britain on February 6th, 1765, during the reign of King George III. It was designed to raise revenue from the American Colonies by a duty (tax) in the form of a stamp required on all newspapers and legal or commercial documents.

Dice were the only non-paper items listed under the Act, and stamp impressions were made on the dice as proof that the Stamp Tax had been paid. In the case of dice, a 10-shilling tax had to be paid per pair, the equivalent of about $60.00 today.

A typical directive from 1776 shows: “All officers, non-commissioned officers and soldiers are positively forbid playing at cards, or other games of chance. At this time of public distress, men may find enough to do, in the service of their God and their country, without abandoning themselves to vice and immorality.” Needless to say, the order’s effect was nil. Starving soldiers at Valley Forge rolled dice to win acorns to eat.

This set is in very nice condition for its age; the dice are well worn, which is typical to its extended use. In “The Revolutionary War Museum” in Yorktown, Virginia, there is a near identical example of this set (see pictures). It would make a great addition to any Revolutionary War or even Civil War collection.

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Throughout history, war has been a constant presence, shaping civilizations and societies. From the earliest days of humanity, conflict has persisted in various forms, and based on historical patterns, it is likely to continue in some manner. This ongoing reality has given rise to a deep fascination among historians and collectors who seek to understand the past through the tangible remnants left behind, i.e. uniforms, guns, swords, artillery.

While significant attention is given to weapons and military gear, the everyday items used by soldiers frequently go unnoticed. Simple objects like forks, spoons, buttons, cups, dishes, pots, and knives played an essential role in a soldier’s daily life. These items were as precious to the individual as their weapon, serving practical needs and providing comfort amidst the hardships of war. I myself have always appreciated their importance in showing a complete representation in a collection.   Bob