Early 1900s Game Boards

Very early American wooden games board; probably the oldest I have handled, this dates to about circa 1835 and exhibits the markings of a typical cottage industry type manufacture (not unlike very early Noah's Arks). Obviously entirely hand crafted; measurements are not exactly square (left to right; top to bottom), probably made of a local soft wood, and hand painted with squares not perfectly delineated. Black light and "loop" inspection reveals age crazing and original paint that, in conjunction with original wear and no attempt to touch up, dates it to the early 19th century. In addition the screws/nails affixed to the hinges are hand forged and in my opinion are of the period I state. In my 50 years of dealing I have had several early 19th century "games" tables; this board game ensemble resembles some of those items. The dice container is also of that vintage. The checker pieces (14 black and 14 yellow) are early and hand carved; while the backgammon pieces in the period box (also hand carved) are turn of the century. Most definitely American, as the last thing an English immigrant would have brought to America at that time would have been a game. When closed, or in the folding position, the board game simulates and is made to look like two books resting side by side (see images), and thusly, was made to sit on a book shelf, either horizontally or vertically; and to be pulled out to play games when desired, which would have been either the game of checkers (draughts), chess, or backgammon. The board opens up to a two sided game option. On one side is the proverbial 64 square (English/ American version) of chess or checkers; and on the other side is a backgammon board. Both sides are hand painted in gold and black, with a rust colored border around the checkerboard. The interior backgammon play area is also black and gold with the same color rust area to the central part. Nail hinges in the center frame, pivot the two sides to open, while a leather covering borders the edge trim, which is 50% lacking on the hinge side. I state the condition to be good, considering it's age, it's use, and the fact that it is still very "usable" and, if taken care of, will probably continue to be so for nearly another 200 years! The checkers, (12) black pieces and (12) yellow (the correct numbers) are hand carved in wood and hand painted. The backgammon pieces (stored in period wooden box) contain 14 yellow hand painted and carved pieces and (13) black ones. (15) of each color are used to play backgammon (simply use the checkers, which are just about the same size (see images) to make up the difference. Most antique game boards...

19th C original painted game board. Nice original Salmon and black paint.

Toy Noah’s Arks for children to play with were very popular in the late 19th and early 20th century, and Germany was very prolific in their production. This particular ark is all ori...

American, circa 1900. A highly unusual American folk art game board. Hand designed and painted likely in New England by an Ivy Leaguer which features a 4 corner "Yale Vs. Harvard" d...

19th Folk Art gaming wheel featuring four cardinals and hand painted numbers, it retains the original red and yellow paint. A charming piece of Americana that would make a colorful w...

Red, black, and ochre white-painted, folding backgammon game board with leaf-like medallions, circa 1870-1890 American Backgammon and checker board, made of softwood, with a case ...

A Folk Art two-sided sign maker's sample board in original paint, one side having square color samples with various border treatments, each panel numbered (one through 25), the other...

Vintage Haitian game board crafted in wood and hand painted with parrots, ballet dancers, and the tree of life in a rustic naive style and signed by the artist J Michel.

Early 19th C cast iron miniature farm house. Rust surface patina. From New England.

A solid Swedish wooden toy horse in original grey paint with remnants of leather bridle and jute mane and tail.

This mid-20th century American wooden game board box is as charming as it is versatile, offering timeless entertainment in a compact, travel-friendly design. Crafted from wood with a...

Parcheesi gameboard with original green, black, yellow and red paint on putty ground. Plywood. Early to mid-20th century. L 24" W 24". Condition: Excellent original condition.