Silver miniature roulette game, J.S. Zwanenburg & Sons, Sneek, 19th century

Silver miniature cup, made by Fa. J.S. Zwanenburg & Zn from Sneek. Active from 1864 to 1900.

An antique silver roulette game (sometimes also referred to as a tombola or game of chance).

Although the figurine on top balances like a tightrope walker, the specific function of this object is a game of chance.

The engraved round disc in the middle is provided with numbers, letters or segments. The figurine with the counterweights balances on a central pin directly above this disc. When one gives the figurine a swing, it rotates, and the long balance stick or a small pointer at the base acts as the arrow indicating the winning number.

This type of silver miniature is based on popular 18th-century and 19th-century table games. Known early examples were made by Amsterdam masters such as Pieter van Somerwil and Johannes van Geffen, with the figure on top sometimes depicted as Atlas or an acrobat.

The miniature is hallmarked with the sword mark for at least second-grade silver. Also hallmarked with master's mark JZ222.

In good condition.

Weight: 38.9 grams. Dimensions: 5 x 10 cm.