Childs' New Baseball Game - 1885
Stone193
Posts: 24,438 ✭✭✭✭✭
Childs' New Base Ball Game - 1885 - Chas. S. Childs, Holyoke, MA
The copyright is 1885 by H.H. Durgin, Boston, MA
Hi everyone.
I had picked up one of their games in 2009:
Durgin is a clothes company in Pittsfield - so my take is that he produced and copyrighted the game and the maker is unknown.
This game has no parts - so I was excited to pick up a variation to it with most of the parts present - my guess is that it's missing a marker/pawn to cover all the bases.
The instructions are simple - and my take it that kids get to make up some of their own rules dictating how base runners advance.
Here's the new game: it's about 3.5x3.5"
For its age? In very nice shape IMO.
The parts - the mechanism is a simple teetotum (spinner) with 4 - Os (outs) and 4 offense outcomes; 1 being an HR.
Also kind of cool? 2 small chromolithographic "trade" cards.
There's a small red ball; I also noticed it in Mark Cooper's tome on games; have no idea what it's for?
I had stated in an earlier account that I surmised there the game may have been used by other companies - and I believe I'm correct since next to the originator H.H.Durgin, I've found Chas. S. Childs and from Cooper's book: S.D. Hadley & Co, North Hamton, MA.
As always, thanx for viewing; I know I may have gotten a little lost in the weeds with the sponsors of the game?
Just think tho. As early as 1885 companies were using baseball to sell their products thru premiums/give-aways.
Like many of you here, I'm sure you remember running to your mom and asking for a "certain" product due to the premium being added to it?
These board games - in that sense - have interesting historical significance with respect to our collecting/the hobby.
The copyright is 1885 by H.H. Durgin, Boston, MA
Hi everyone.
I had picked up one of their games in 2009:
Durgin is a clothes company in Pittsfield - so my take is that he produced and copyrighted the game and the maker is unknown.
This game has no parts - so I was excited to pick up a variation to it with most of the parts present - my guess is that it's missing a marker/pawn to cover all the bases.
The instructions are simple - and my take it that kids get to make up some of their own rules dictating how base runners advance.
Here's the new game: it's about 3.5x3.5"
For its age? In very nice shape IMO.
The parts - the mechanism is a simple teetotum (spinner) with 4 - Os (outs) and 4 offense outcomes; 1 being an HR.
Also kind of cool? 2 small chromolithographic "trade" cards.
There's a small red ball; I also noticed it in Mark Cooper's tome on games; have no idea what it's for?
I had stated in an earlier account that I surmised there the game may have been used by other companies - and I believe I'm correct since next to the originator H.H.Durgin, I've found Chas. S. Childs and from Cooper's book: S.D. Hadley & Co, North Hamton, MA.
As always, thanx for viewing; I know I may have gotten a little lost in the weeds with the sponsors of the game?
Just think tho. As early as 1885 companies were using baseball to sell their products thru premiums/give-aways.
Like many of you here, I'm sure you remember running to your mom and asking for a "certain" product due to the premium being added to it?
These board games - in that sense - have interesting historical significance with respect to our collecting/the hobby.
Mike
0
Comments
<< <i>Wow Mike, that's really cool! Is this the oldest game you own? I'm guessing it is. >>
Hiya Dan - thanx!
Yes, it is.
Games from the late 1800s from makers like McLoughlin Bros. can be very pricey - this one went for 1800 bucks in 2006:
Milton Bradley and Parker Bros. also made games at the same time.
Some of my games from the early 1900s are just as nice as late 1800s but a bit cheaper to purchase. I believe non-game board collectors with deep pockets want these games to complement their "prewar" card collections - and it doesn't hurt that they usually only come up in big AH's.
<< <i>
<< <i>Wow Mike, that's really cool! Is this the oldest game you own? I'm guessing it is. >>
Hiya Dan - thanx!
Yes, it is.
Games from the late 1800s from makers like McLoughlin Bros. can be very pricey - this one went for 1800 bucks in 2006:
Milton Bradley and Parker Bros. also made games at the same time.
Some of my games from the early 1900s are just as nice as late 1800s but a bit cheaper to purchase. I believe non-game board collectors with deep pockets want these games to complement their "prewar" card collections - and it doesn't hurt that they usually only come up in big AH's. >>
When I worked at Goodwill we had a game similar to this one come through the doors and had to throw it away because the district manager, who as fate would have it ended up being there at the time, said it had mold on it. Not the first time cool items went in the trash compactor
Love all that you share, especially these games.
Patrick
<< <i>Cool item. I wonder how many different baseball games exist. Is there a checklist or some other book that has attempted to count them all? >>
Thanx John!
There's no definitive tome on board games; the guys to write it are Butch, Kerm and Win over at the Baseball Game Forum; Butch frequently adds to the knowledge over at net54 memorabilia forum.
A nice book to have was written by Mark Cooper - Baseball Games:
A good "list" source is from the Baseball Game Forum.
BaseballGameGeek is another, tho not a favorite of mine.
Also, The Association of Game and Puzzle Collectors.
Also, The Big Game Collector.
Just to name a few.
At the Baseball Game Forum, we are always adding to the lists with new finds, variations etc. I don't think any one individual has any idea how many games are out there - I'm specifically speaking of Baseball.
ON ITS WAY TO NEWPORT BEACH, CA 92658
Doug
Liquidating my collection for the 3rd and final time. Time for others to enjoy what I have enjoyed over the last several decades. Money could be put to better use.
Do you ever play any of the games with friends/family? Or are they strictly for display only?
Mike
<< <i>Wow, that's pretty neat. 130 years old!!
Do you ever play any of the games with friends/family? Or are they strictly for display only?
Mike >>
When Mike was little his parents gave him this game when it was brand new. They used to play with it once in a while!
Doug
Liquidating my collection for the 3rd and final time. Time for others to enjoy what I have enjoyed over the last several decades. Money could be put to better use.
Hiya Mike - these games are way too fragile to mess with. I actually like the pinball style games - like Williams BB Game - the one that has the playing field in the background - I don't have the room in the house, so I never thought about buying one - and it's kind of expensive.
I here ya Doug - thanx! I'm still working 1 day a week - tomorrow - but it's like vacay every week!
<< <i>I here ya Doug - thanx! I'm still working 1 day a week - tomorrow - but it's like vacay every week!
And I can hear you at the dinner table tonight: "DAMN! I can't believe tomorrow is Wednesday already"!!!
Doug
Liquidating my collection for the 3rd and final time. Time for others to enjoy what I have enjoyed over the last several decades. Money could be put to better use.
<< <i>
<< <i>I here ya Doug - thanx! I'm still working 1 day a week - tomorrow - but it's like vacay every week!
And I can hear you at the dinner table tonight: "DAMN! I can't believe tomorrow is Wednesday already"!!! >>
You've been reading my mail Doug.
Jeff
<< <i>Those games are beautiful and interesting, Mike. I always love seeing your latest additions. >>
+1, I always look forward to a new post from Mike!
Jmaciu's Collection
Mark
T206 Set - 300/524