Uncanny magical illustrated clown game with a pinball-like twist — in which the top lid opens to reveal a fun game of chance for children.
Very good.
Price: $450.00
Housed inside the box are brightly colored hinged chromolithographed clown figures. On the top lid is a clown with a wide grin which is used as an entrance point for the marbles. The goal is to try to get the ball into the holes at the bottom — but it has to go through the various platforms and moveable figures before landing at the bottom of the course. The marble eventually lands in a hole at the base, with each hole assigned a value — similar to pinball. With various points to collect ranging from 5 - 100, instructions in English on the bottom board.
It's uncommon to find copies of games produced from J. W. Spear & Sons from the German factories, before their London opening which had a wider reach with English speaking consumers. Although this copy is in English, it still has the Bavaria, Germany copyright. A quirky turn-of-the-century piece.
Read more: Games We Play: History of J.W. Spear and Sons.
Bavaria, Germany: J. W. S. & S. [J. W. Spear and Sons], [circa 1890s]. 11.5" x 7.75". Original hinged red paper box with pictorial paste-on to lid. Pictorial movable figure. 7 marbles of various colors (original number unknown). Some scuffing and splitting to box joints. Minor soiling throughout, overall bright.
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