VERY RARE 1900 – 1920s Nickel Plated Motor Racing Lap Counter/ Scorer – Brooklands, Le Mans, Grand Prix – Bentley, Bugatti, Mercedes, Sunbeam and Others

Description

Here we have a very rare nickel plated 0-99 counting device. These devices were made in France from about 1850 as billiard counters. From about 1900 these devicess were widely used as a lap counter/scorer in early motor racing. The so called ‘lap scorer’ was mounted on the dashboard of the racing car and it was operated by the drivers’ mechanic. These ‘lap scorers’ were used in early French motor races, the French Grand Prix, at Brooklands, Le Mans, Monza and other races/circuits. These rare lap counters are a period correct accessory to any vintage racing car of this period. The lap counter is made of nickel plated brass and it features a metal base. The counter is mounted on a black ebonized wood base. The device weighs 390 grammes 200 x 60 x 35 millimetres with wood base. This lap counter works perfectly. The counter features two levers, the left for the tens and the right for the single numbers. The riding mechanic only had to use the right lever because after every ‘9’ the counter automatically moves up to to 10, 20 and so on. This very rare antique device is in excellent original condition with a fantastic patina! “Enjoy the Ride!”