Tortoise Shell Antiquities

Walking stick cane: a sterling siver handle depicting a chick. Ebony wood, metal ferrule. English hallmarks, signed Brigg, London. UK 1920 ca.

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. 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...

This is a very attractive complete game of Marble Solitaire with a hardwood circular board and 35 mixed stone marbles, probably French. The circular turned board is made of polished hardwood, with a good grain figure. The board has 32 equi-spaced holes with an additional one in the centre and a gallery to the outer perimeter. Three small circular pads have been attached to the base of the board to protect the surface it sits on. It comes complete with a full set of 35 (32 Plus 3 spare) handmade playing marbles of mixed stone, clay and agate and of different colours. Some of the clay marbles...

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.

Walking stick: Art nouveau silver handle, depicting a snake. Ebony wood shaft. Metal ferrule. France circa 1900.

This is a complete combination board game of marble solitaire and tiddlywinks, dating to the early 20th century. This is a most unusual and very de...

Pre Columbian  INCA / Early Colonial period  Wood Kero    A superb Inca Kero carved and painted in a mosaic style with Avian floral and animal designs Heig...

Experience the artistry of Middle Eastern craftsmanship with this exquisite hinged box featuring intricate mother-of-pearl marquetry in a micro mosaic design. This elegant piece open...

This is a good Marble Solitaire game, having a very good hardwood board and a complete set of 34 glass swirl marbles, all dating to the first half of the 20th century. The circular ...

Antique South American Spanish Colonial Poly chrome Folk Art Santos figure The finely sculptured hard wood figure standing with a cross and bible on a pedestal base, painted in p...

This unique Églomisé checkerboard with a wooden frame is surrounded by 1920s advertising from Middletown, Connecticut. "Églomisé is a French term me...

Original painted game board - signed and Dated 1935.