LOT 40
The Count Bothmer 10 Downing Street gaming table. Reputed 10 Downing St. item.

This charming gaming table was originally brought from the Schwegerhoff estate by Count Bothmer to his new residence the famous 10 Downing Street. It was reputed by family history that many Royals such as Queen Anne and later George I of Hanover spent many nights playing cards with his mistresses at this table. Count Bothmer, being one of George I’s dearest friends and George I refusing to speak English, found himself a frequent visitor of the new residence for evenings of fun and games. After the death of Count Bothmer, the family possessions were returned to Schwegerhoff and later to Meersburg by Baron Heinrich and Baroness Helene von Bothmer's private use in the Prince's House which was being prepared to be opened to the public. This table was in the entry of the Frustenhausle Museum during the opening celebration for Annette von Droste Hulshoff in 1948.

Estimate: $10,000 - $15,000

Auction Date: Monday, April 19 1999 at 7:00 PM