Some recent Games and Why I like them
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First on why I like games and then my most recent pickups over the past few months:
What's a vintage game? It's a reflection of a child’s play from a bygone era – it’s not changed by time – it’s immutable – a portal to the past – and that collectible brings it to life – it’s a tangible and real way to hold something in ones hand and relive that moment in time.
The games I collect reflect our history – our childhood and some instances also adulthood. Reading about our past from an historical perspective is quite rewarding and enlightening – but taking one of the games and playing it – is a real and concrete way to relive that time – long gone but not forgotten – as long as we continue to be the custodians.
Last – when I look at a certain game – I can’t help but think what it was like back then – to even think what it was like in the 50s when I was a kid. One is tempted to imagine – perhaps - that was a better time – a simpler and more enjoyable period in our development. In fact – every era – as I view the evolution of the games is not better but just different - and, in a larger sense – the same – the enjoyment and laughter of children doesn’t know time – it’s just that – pure and simple happiness. As collectors - that’s what we all strive for – happiness. And, we are the custodians. It’s our privilege to share that history with others – and – for many of us – a disappointment if there were no one to do it with.
Fireside The 7 in 1 - Game - Bungalow Cabinet Co., Tacoma, WA - 1920/30s?
I have no date - a google came up empty for now. I was attracted by the graphics. And, I couldn't find it in the Mark Cooper tome.
My big complaint - as usual - the use of scotch tape to repair it - ruins the paper.
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My instinct on the printing is that it's more modern from the 30s rather than the earlier "litho" style.
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The 'mechanism' for the game is pinball style - that determines the outcome.
I couldn't find the game on the BB list - since it's really a 7 in 1 - which may appeal to any sports collector.
It's loaded with different games - BB, FB, golf. Tennis anyone?
I find the BB game portion to be very lackluster - in essence there's a wooden "trap" that you put on the board with "slots" that have outcomes like out, hit etc.
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It's missing the instruction sheet - but I'm sure a little imagination couldn't hurt to come up with a few games.
Inspiration? How about humming a few bars of Take me out... "and" a some cold Buds?
And now...
Gusto-O Baseball Game - E.W. Forney & Co., Joplin, MO
Wow - this game totally puzzles me - have no idea when it was produced - I would guess 30s?
Couldn't find it on the BB Game Forum or anything online.
It's a simple game - the wheel is set to the far right - and the instruction asks you to 'snap' it to the left real quick and the counter weighted wheel moves counter-clockwise - and one looks at the "outcome."
IMO - not very exciting - but the item was so unusual and I've never seen it before. I didn't want to pay 45 bucks for this but I was afraid it would be snatched up and never see one for 10 yrs. Usually what happens? I'll see 3 over the next 2 weeks!
The box has been repaired in the worst way with adhesive tape!
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And the "mechanism" for play:
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and the "instructions" and playing field - not very pretty:
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There's also a non-BB alternative to play for kids - it's advertised as a kid's game to teach them to count.
and now:
Bases Full - Bar-Zim Toy Mfg. Co., NYC
The seller says the capsules are 'jumping beans' - why not? Actually they're counter-balanced capsules which makes it really hard to get all three into the "appropriately colored" slots.
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I see these as "dexterity" games as opposed to the SIM travel games that I've picked up - obviously the rules make that quite evident.
and here's another example where I think the graphics may be a bit better:
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and:
Play Ball! Gem Leather Goods Co., 1947
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This one comes in a an envelope and appears to be more of a "travel" game.
Since it comes from the Gem Leather Goods Co., I would say it's a premium which is what Butch from the BB Game Forum postulated when he posted his game back 2010.
This one appears to be a cheaper version of the home game - his appears to come in a box and has the original bubble that contains the dice to play the game.
I have a single die with the game - but the instructions refers to "red dice" - and the die I have is off-white. So, I would doubt it's original?
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I haven't had a chance to fully read the instructions to see how the game plays. The entire game is on a single sheet of cardboard.
If it were a lazy day of summer and a few buds had nothing to do? This would be a fun game to pull out and let the competition fly!
and last:
Jimmy Piersall's Little Pro Bat-a-Round - 1960s
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I've seen this in better condition - so this one was OK for the money.
I don't see it very often - not a board game but rather a "training aid" for teaching kids how to hit - a la tie ball.
It's cool to have Maris and Mays on the cover with Piersall. Would've been nicer to see the Mick on it but hey - ya can't have everything.
Included is a fax auto photo of Maris and a cool instruction booklet which has Runnels and Groat as batting champs and Groat as MVP.
Pretty cool stuff.
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Based on the 1960 reference, I'm tempted to say this game may have been released in 1961? Wonder how popular this item was?
*Final note:
Although it may be unrealistic of me to have this occur...
It sure would be nice if everyone could set aside their "differences" - make up and celebrate what we do best: share what brings us joy each and every day.
What's a vintage game? It's a reflection of a child’s play from a bygone era – it’s not changed by time – it’s immutable – a portal to the past – and that collectible brings it to life – it’s a tangible and real way to hold something in ones hand and relive that moment in time.
The games I collect reflect our history – our childhood and some instances also adulthood. Reading about our past from an historical perspective is quite rewarding and enlightening – but taking one of the games and playing it – is a real and concrete way to relive that time – long gone but not forgotten – as long as we continue to be the custodians.
Last – when I look at a certain game – I can’t help but think what it was like back then – to even think what it was like in the 50s when I was a kid. One is tempted to imagine – perhaps - that was a better time – a simpler and more enjoyable period in our development. In fact – every era – as I view the evolution of the games is not better but just different - and, in a larger sense – the same – the enjoyment and laughter of children doesn’t know time – it’s just that – pure and simple happiness. As collectors - that’s what we all strive for – happiness. And, we are the custodians. It’s our privilege to share that history with others – and – for many of us – a disappointment if there were no one to do it with.
Fireside The 7 in 1 - Game - Bungalow Cabinet Co., Tacoma, WA - 1920/30s?
I have no date - a google came up empty for now. I was attracted by the graphics. And, I couldn't find it in the Mark Cooper tome.
My big complaint - as usual - the use of scotch tape to repair it - ruins the paper.
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My instinct on the printing is that it's more modern from the 30s rather than the earlier "litho" style.
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The 'mechanism' for the game is pinball style - that determines the outcome.
I couldn't find the game on the BB list - since it's really a 7 in 1 - which may appeal to any sports collector.
It's loaded with different games - BB, FB, golf. Tennis anyone?
I find the BB game portion to be very lackluster - in essence there's a wooden "trap" that you put on the board with "slots" that have outcomes like out, hit etc.
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It's missing the instruction sheet - but I'm sure a little imagination couldn't hurt to come up with a few games.
Inspiration? How about humming a few bars of Take me out... "and" a some cold Buds?
And now...
Gusto-O Baseball Game - E.W. Forney & Co., Joplin, MO
Wow - this game totally puzzles me - have no idea when it was produced - I would guess 30s?
Couldn't find it on the BB Game Forum or anything online.
It's a simple game - the wheel is set to the far right - and the instruction asks you to 'snap' it to the left real quick and the counter weighted wheel moves counter-clockwise - and one looks at the "outcome."
IMO - not very exciting - but the item was so unusual and I've never seen it before. I didn't want to pay 45 bucks for this but I was afraid it would be snatched up and never see one for 10 yrs. Usually what happens? I'll see 3 over the next 2 weeks!
The box has been repaired in the worst way with adhesive tape!
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And the "mechanism" for play:
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and the "instructions" and playing field - not very pretty:
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There's also a non-BB alternative to play for kids - it's advertised as a kid's game to teach them to count.
and now:
Bases Full - Bar-Zim Toy Mfg. Co., NYC
The seller says the capsules are 'jumping beans' - why not? Actually they're counter-balanced capsules which makes it really hard to get all three into the "appropriately colored" slots.

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I see these as "dexterity" games as opposed to the SIM travel games that I've picked up - obviously the rules make that quite evident.
and here's another example where I think the graphics may be a bit better:

and:
Play Ball! Gem Leather Goods Co., 1947

This one comes in a an envelope and appears to be more of a "travel" game.
Since it comes from the Gem Leather Goods Co., I would say it's a premium which is what Butch from the BB Game Forum postulated when he posted his game back 2010.
This one appears to be a cheaper version of the home game - his appears to come in a box and has the original bubble that contains the dice to play the game.
I have a single die with the game - but the instructions refers to "red dice" - and the die I have is off-white. So, I would doubt it's original?

I haven't had a chance to fully read the instructions to see how the game plays. The entire game is on a single sheet of cardboard.
If it were a lazy day of summer and a few buds had nothing to do? This would be a fun game to pull out and let the competition fly!
and last:
Jimmy Piersall's Little Pro Bat-a-Round - 1960s
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I've seen this in better condition - so this one was OK for the money.
I don't see it very often - not a board game but rather a "training aid" for teaching kids how to hit - a la tie ball.
It's cool to have Maris and Mays on the cover with Piersall. Would've been nicer to see the Mick on it but hey - ya can't have everything.
Included is a fax auto photo of Maris and a cool instruction booklet which has Runnels and Groat as batting champs and Groat as MVP.
Pretty cool stuff.

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Based on the 1960 reference, I'm tempted to say this game may have been released in 1961? Wonder how popular this item was?
*Final note:
Although it may be unrealistic of me to have this occur...
It sure would be nice if everyone could set aside their "differences" - make up and celebrate what we do best: share what brings us joy each and every day.

Mike
0
Comments
MULLINS5,1966CUDA,nam812,nightcrawler,OAKESY25,PowderedH2O,relaxed,RonBurgundy,samsgirl214,shagrotn77,swartz1,slantycouch,Statman,Wabittwax
Cool (as always) Mike.
Bosox1976
Thanks for showing!
I enjoy seeing your new pickups, I'm unfamiliar with most of it so it's all new to me. Good to see all the different games people had before the modern age of video games.
Lee
Seriously though, some very unique games which I've never seen before. Thanks for sharing!!!
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep."
"Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans."
Collecting:
Any unopened Baseball cello and rack packs and boxes from the 1970's and early 1980s.
I always enjoy learning about these games you collect. Completely outside my wheelhouse, yet totally interesting. Thanks for sharing the knowledge.
Jeff
Did you play as "You" or "Me" in the Gust-o?
Bowman Baseball -1948-1955
Fleer Baseball-1923, 1959-2007
Al
<< <i>Looks like the Fireside 7 in 1- game looks pretty cool. I see one on ebay for $125.00 or best offer. >>
Thanx! I paid $9.99 - the shipping was more.
That's a lot of money for the game IMO.
And thanx to everyone else for the kind words.
<< <i>Great stuff Mike.
Did you play as "You" or "Me" in the Gust-o? >>
I always play in the 3rd person.