Ragged Soldier Sutlery and Vintage Volumes

Pinball

When we first brought this game out last summer at Gettysburg, people visiting our tent were a bit incredulous about the existence of pinball. We will admit that it doesn't have the flashing lights, ringing bells, flapper arms, or any of the fancy features of the modern arcade pinball. But, what it does have is a playing board that is about 6 1/2 inches wide and about 14 inches long. It comes with ten metal balls for numerous chances with each turn. The overall shape, arrangement of the pins, and the scoring slots in the bottom bear a striking resemblance to an illustration in a toy catalog from the late 18th century - early 19th century. What is doesn't have is a plexiglass cover (so be careful not to lose the balls!) or any other plastic parts.

We don't know how common these were during the 19th century and they almost certainly were not the sort of toy that your ordinary farmer or millworker would have purchased. But they are an interesting example that some fancier toys did exist and offset the notion that the people of the nineteenth century had only the rudest of implements or other items for everyday life. And this is one game that most children can relate to and play without a lot of explanation being needed.

NOTE: Our supplier is discontinuing these so when our current stock is gone, we will not be able to get them elsewhere. As of May 4, 2008, we have 8 in stock.

$ 13.25 each

If you want to look at the previous game in the list,
Pickup Sticks,
click here

If you want to look at the next game in the list,
Tipcat,
click here