Small filigree boxes were used for all kinds of reasons in the 18th and 19th centuries. They were usually made for a specific purpose, rather than as a general container as is often the case today. It is often difficult to be sure what they originally contained, but there is no doubt that this box was made to contain gaming counters, as is shown by the enamelled playing card on the lid.

Each player provided his own counters, which were carried in an appropriate case in the pocket. They were used to make bets during a game of cards, and converted to currency, or promissory notes, after it ended. They were made of all kinds of material. In the 18th century counters were usually circular, but by the 19th century other shapes, such as ovals, rectangles or fish, became common, particularly in those made of mother-of-pearl. The gaming counters usually matched their case, so this example would have contained filigree counters.