Brass Teetotum – Put & Take Gambling Spinning Top
A classic game of chance, handcrafted from solid brass.
Our Brass Teetotum Gambling Top brings the traditional Put & Take spinning game to life with precision machining, hand-stamped lettering, and timeless metalworking craftsmanship.
Each teetotum is individually turned from solid 5/8-inch brass hexagonal bar stock on manually operated machining equipment at Butterfield Machine. The result is a distinctive six-sided spinning top that combines classic entertainment with traditional craftsmanship.
Whether you're a collector of mechanical spinning tops, a fan of vintage games, or simply appreciate finely machined brass accessories, this teetotum makes a unique addition to your collection.
Hand-Machined Solid Brass Construction
Unlike mass-produced spinning tops, each Butterfield Machine teetotum is individually machined and finished by hand.
The six sides feature hand-stamped lettering that identifies the actions in the traditional Put & Take game. After stamping, the brass is oxidized and carefully buffed with steel wool to highlight the raised surfaces, creating an attractive aged appearance with contrasting lettering. Because every top is individually machined, stamped, and finished, no two teetotums are exactly alike.
Silicon Nitride Ceramic Bearing Tip
Each brass teetotum features a silicon nitride (Si₃N₄) ceramic ball bearing tip that provides a smooth contact point for spinning.
These tops can be spun upright on a smooth, level surface with a little practice. Unlike our precision spinning tops designed for extended spin times, these teetotums are intentionally designed for shorter spins to keep the game moving.
How to Play Put & Take
Put & Take is a traditional spinning top game that has entertained generations.
The rules are simple: each player contributes an agreed-upon number of counters, chips, or tokens to a central pot. Players then take turns spinning the teetotum and following the instructions on whichever side lands facing upward.
The six sides are:
- P1 – Put 1: Add one token to the pot.
- P2 – Put 2: Add two tokens to the pot.
- T1 – Take 1: Remove one token from the pot.
- T2 – Take 2: Remove two tokens from the pot.
- AP – All Pay: Every player adds one token to the pot.
- TA – Take All: The player takes everything in the pot.
After a player takes the entire pot, everyone contributes again and the game continues.
It's a simple, entertaining game that can be enjoyed with friends and family using chips, tokens, or other small counters.
Features & Specifications
- Material: Solid brass
- Starting Stock: 5/8" hexagonal brass bar
- Design: Six-sided Put & Take teetotum
- Lettering: Individually hand-stamped
- Finish: Oxidized and hand-buffed
- Tip: Silicon nitride ceramic ball bearing
- Manufacturing: Hand-turned on manually operated equipment
- Spin Characteristics: Short spins designed for traditional gameplay
What's Included
Each teetotum comes with:
- One hand-machined solid brass Put & Take spinning top
- Three custom coasters
- Soft muslin drawstring storage bag
A Unique Gift for Spinning Top & Vintage Game Enthusiasts
Our brass teetotum makes a distinctive gift for collectors of spinning tops, traditional games, and handcrafted mechanical objects.
The combination of solid brass, vintage-inspired finishing, and individually stamped lettering creates a functional collectible that can be displayed or enjoyed during game nights.
Important Notes
Each teetotum is individually hand-stamped. Lettering placement and finish may vary slightly from the photographs, giving every top its own character.
Spinning requires practice. These tops are designed to stand upright and spin on their ceramic bearing tip. Some people get the technique immediately, while others may need several attempts. Once you get the hang of it, spinning becomes much easier.
A traditional game, a handcrafted spinning top, and a little piece of machining history — all in solid brass.
