Victorian Toys & Games including Parlor Games!

Items on this page Last Updated: Friday, November 20, 2009 12:59:42 PM
School House Supplies	Ball	Bilbo Catcher	Card Decks
Chess Set, 1795	Cup and Ball	Dice Games	Dolls
Domino's	Fox and Geese / Solitaire	Game of Graces	Hop Scotch
Game of Jacks	Jacob's Ladder	Marbles (Clay & Glass)	Marble Board Games
Nine Man Morris	Nine-Pins (Table Top)	Pick-Up Sticks	Quoits
Rocking Horses, Carved Wood	Rolling Hoop	Tops (Peg & Whip)	Whirli-Gigs
Yo-Yo	Fifes, Student/Beginner	Whistles	Jaw Harps
Bones	Toy Drum & Drumsticks	More items are available in the toys & games section of Props

    The historical toys and games listed below can be used by reenactors for living history or by museums and other institutions for history displays and other educational purposes. They can also be a good way to keep you children busy at reenactments.

    The domino game dates from the renaissance, while some of these toys and games, including the chess set, date to the American Colonial period. The rest date to the Victorian period, including the American Civil War, Indian Wars and Old West. Some were popular parlor games.

School House and Student Supplies

Just as today, every 19th century student needed supplies for school. Here is a selection of items that would be need by school children.     School House Chalk Board Set: Our Schoolhouse Chalkboard Set includes a 5-inch by 7-inch wood frame chalkboard, a one-inch eraser made of wood and felt, two sticks of chalk, and a booklet featuring eleven 19th-century popular schoolroom and childhood games. Our Chalkboard Set is great for car rides, party games or teaching children what it was like when students in one-room schools had to do their learning on slate chalkboards.     Early American School Set: Our Early American School Set includes a 6-inch wood ruler and four round, natural 7-inch cedar pencils without erasers like those imported from England to the colonies during the 18th century.     Cedar Pencils: Our Colonial Cedar Pencils are a set of five round, natural 7-inch cedar pencils without erasers similar to those used in England and imported to the American colonies during the 18th century. Pencils of this nature would have had to be sharpened by whittling or cutting one end with a knife. No pencil sharpeners for those colonists! Pencils are neatly wrapped in a parchment history sheet.     Childs (ABC) Hornbook: Our Child's Hornbook features an exact-size replica hornbook lesson sheet on a wooden paddle. The typical lesson sheet on our hornbook includes the ABC's, vowel combinations and The Lord's Prayer. It is approximately 2-1/2 inches by 5 inches.     The Hornbook in America: ABC Hornbook in America is a cute book that contains the definition of a hornbook, a description of Colonial American schools, an explanation of what horn is, and how a hornbook was made. Also included is information about other learning tablets, the decline of the hornbook, and how the hornbook was used as a toy. Available at the back of the book is a hornbook to cut out. This publication is filled with nostalgic line drawings and more. Actual book size is 4-1/4 inches by 5-1/2 inches and contains 32 pages.     Pages from Early American Children's Books: Our Pages from Early American Children's Books contains excerpts from some of the earliest printed books for children between 1744 and 1837. It includes A Little Pretty Pocket-Book, Goody Two-Shoes, chapbooks, Elton's Pictorial A.B.C., a battledore book, Marmaduke Multiply, and Girl's Own Book. Actual book size is 5-1/2 inches by 8-1/2 inches and contains 32 pages.     Manners and Morals: Our Children's Manners and Morals book includes moral maxims, how to behave, general rules and laws of etiquette, conversational etiquette, table manners, classroom rules, excerpts from books on morals and manners, the art of writing, proper pastimes, and other interesting information about expected behavior of children in the 1700 and 1800s. This best-selling book includes many nostalgic illustrations. Book size is 5-1/2 inches by 8-1/2 inches and contains 32 pages. School House and Student Supplies Slate Board Set (Real Slate) Schoolhouse Chalkboard Set (Not Slate) Early American School Set Pencils & Ruler Pencils, Cedar Pack of 5 Children's Manners & Morals Book Pages from Early American Children's Books Easy To Make Early American Folk Dolls Toys and Games from the Past Childs (ABC) Hornbook 2 1/2'' x 5'' The ABC Hornbook in America Children's Hornbook Set  (Hornbook & Hornbook Book)

School House and Student Supplies Check the box for each item wanted and update the quantity. When done selecting any/all items, click the "Put these in my cart!" button. Item Select Qty Price School House Chalk Board Set (5" x 7") w/Chalk & Eraser @ $8.00 each Slate Board / Chalk Board Set (7" x 10") Real Slate w/Chalk & Eraser  @ $ 6.99 each Early American School Set @ $3.70 each Cedar Pencils - package of 5 @ $2.70 each Book: Children's Manners and Morals @ $6.00 each Book: Pages from Early American Children's Books  @ $6.00 each Book: Easy to Make Early American Folk Dolls  @ $6.00 each Book: Toys and Games from the Past  @ $6.00 each Childs (ABC) Hornbook (2 1/2" x 5")  @ $7.20 each Book: The ABC Hornbook in America @ $4.80 each Childs Hornbook Set (Hornbook & Hornbook Book) @ $12.40 each

Balls  and Ball Games

Canvas Ball      Cloth Ball: These tough balls are made from canvas. They're about the size of a softball and can be used for countless games. Many kids could be kept busy for hours with just one of these balls and a stick for a bat. At least 1860s on.     Leather Ball: This is the ball that comes with Knurr and Spell. It is made in the old "lemon peel" sewn style.      Knurr and Spell: Long before baseball became the official American past time, a variety of ball and bat games were popular. Knurr and Spur is a distance game. The object of the game was to hit the ball as far as possible toward a measured target. The spell is a small hard ball that was shot into the air when the Spell was hit with a stick or bat.  Our Spell and 17'' long bat are both made of native pine and are based on period artwork. For safety we have replaced the small hard Knurr (ball) of the original game with a small leather covered "lemon peel" style sewn ball.     Battledore & Shuttlecock: is an outdoor game played since the earliest American Settlements. It is an ancestor to both modern badminton and table tennis.

Balls and Ball Games Check the box for each item wanted and update the quantity. When done selecting any/all items, click the "Put these in my cart!" button. Item Select Qty Price Ball, softball sized stuffed canvas  @ $9.60 each Knurr and Spell @ $24.00 each Leather Ball (same as comes with Knurr & Spell)  @ $5.00 each

Bilbo Catcher (Bilboquette) and Cup & Ball

The toys of the cup and ball family have been favorite childhood amusements for many centuries, unchanging in their basic form but marvelously various in the specific designs. The object of the cup & ball game is to swing the wooden ball into the cup, which is not at all as simple as it appears to be.     These toys were quite popular in Europe with adults and children alike throughout the time of the settlement of the New World colonies and would have been favorites on the North American continent as well, where they continue to be greatly enjoyed to this day.      Bilbo Catcher (Bilboquette): The Bilbo Catcher has a solid wood spindle 4 7/8" long, with a solid wood ball. In the Bilbo Catcher one side of the spindle is a straightforward cup and ball game, while on the other side the player must catch the ball on the tip of the spindle by a hole drilled in the ball for that purpose. Each toy is packaged in a poly bag with a history and instruction sheet.      Cup and Ball, Large: The large cup and ball toy is a solid wood turning 10 5/8" in length, with the cup designed in line with the handle. The ball is solid wood 1" in diameter. Each toy is individually packaged in a poly bag with a history and instruction sheet.      Cup and Ball, Small: The small cup and ball toy is also solid wood turning 6" in length, with the cup designed in line with the handle. The ball is solid wood ." in diameter. It is available in either natural wood or with a painted (yellow cup and red ball). Each toy is individually packaged in a poly bag. Bilbo Catcher and Cup & Ball Games Bilbo Catcher   Cup and Ball Small Cup and Ball Small Colorful Cup and Ball Large

Bilbo Catcher and Cup & Ball Games Check the box for each item wanted and update the quantity. When done selecting any/all items, click the "Put these in my cart!" button. Item Select Qty Price Bilbo Catcher @ $7.30 each Cup and Ball, Small - Natural @ $4.90 each Cup and Ball, Small - Colorful @ $5.10 each Cup and Ball, Large - Natural @ $6.10 each

Playing Cards & Chips

I. Hardy Cards Package I. Hardy Cards C. W. Illuminated Cards Union Cards, 1862 Union Cards, 1863 Native American Cards, 1 Native American Cards, 2 Buffalo Soldiers Cards 1864 Poker Cards L. I. Cohen American Cards Union Cards - Both 1862 & 1863 Decks 1805 French Cards Grover Cleveland Cards, Campaign 1888 Wood Poker Chips Clay Poker Chips     I. Hardy Playing Cards, Period style paper wrapper secured with string. Authentic style cards with no numbers. I. Hardy, Maker. Rev War Design, Correct for Civil War usage.     Early American Playing Cards, These are the same cards as the I. Hardy playing cards, except without the period style paper wrapper secured with string. Authentic style cards with no numbers. Rev War Design, Correct for Civil War usage.     1864 Poker Card Deck, Reproduction of a Civil War era poker deck with full-length, single-ended court figures. Box reproduced with original tax stamps showing hand cancellation June 2, 1864. Correct for the Civil War period.     Illuminated Card Deck, This reproduction of a Civil War-era deck is beautifully crafted with gold detail embellishing every card. In the style of the times, this deck includes full-length, single-ended court figures, square corners and traditional non-indexed styling. Originally produced by L. I. Cohen, New York. Correct for the Civil War period.     American Playing Cards, Caleb Bartlett. Authentic style cards with no numbers. Very colorful deck. Pre-Civil War but will work nicely. The face cards are Kings are American Presidents, Jacks are Famous Indians, and Queens are Allegorical. Correct for the Civil War period.     Union Playing Cards, Cardboard Box with slide-off lid as per original examples. 52 Cards plus Jokers. The face cards are Military Officers and the Queens are Lady Liberty. Number cards have military symbols instead of numbers. Copy of the originals. Two reproduction versions are available, a facsimile copy of the 1862 version and a facsimile copy of the 1863 version. Both decks can also be purchased together as a set.     Grover Cleveland 1888 Campaign Playing Cards, reprinted from the original housed in the Smithsonian Institution, was distributed by Cleveland during his run for the presidency in 1888.     1805 French Card Deck, Reproduction of a French deck from 1805.     Native American Card Decks, Not a reproduction decks, but very interesting. Each deck contains a collection of 55 cards with full color portraits of Native Americans painted during the early 19th century. Two sets are available.     Buffalo Soldiers Card Deck, Not a reproduction decks, but very interesting. The black regiments, which came into being in 1866, quickly earned the respect of both fellow servicemen and opponents. This beautifully illustrated deck of 54 cards pays homage to those leaders whose contributions helped change the face of American. 1866-present including Colin Powell. Playing Cards Check the box for each item wanted and update the quantity. When done selecting any/all items, click the "Put these in my cart!" button. Item Select Qty Price Reproduction Playing Cards I. Hardy Cards, Rev War Plus @ $14.50/deck Early American Playing Cards, Rev War Plus  @ $7.90/deck 1864 Poker Cards (Highlanders), Civil War Plus @ $12.00/deck Illuminated Playing Cards, Civil War Plus @ $24.00/deck Union Playing Cards - 1862, Civil War Plus  Not Available Union Playing Cards - 1863, Civil War Plus  @ $12.00/deck Union Playing Cards, Both 1862 & 1863 decks  Not Available French Playing Cards, 1805 @ $9.75/deck Grover Cleveland Playing Cards, 1888 @ $7.50/deck Historical Interest Playing Cards, NOT Reproduction Native American Playing Cards, Set 1 @ $14.00/deck Native American Playing Cards, Set 2 @ $14.00/deck Buffalo Soldiers Playing Cards @ $10.00/deck     Poker Chips. Information coming soon. Poker Chips Coming

Chess Men, Chess Sets and Chess Boards

History: Chess is a Checkerboard game for two players, each of whom moves 16 pieces (known as Chessmen) according to fixed rules across the board and tries to capture or immobilize (checkmate) the opponent’s king. Sir, though the now-standard rules of playing chess first became generally accepted in Europe in 16th century, but the game itself was originated in Asia long back about the 6th century. In India , the game is popularly known as ‘Shatranj’. The game was hobby and in some cases passion for the Kings and intellectuals of the Ancient India. The roots of this game are in India.     Chess Set with Storage Box, copy of set by John Calvert, 1795 England: Mahogany box with drawers on both sides to hold the chess pieces. The storage case has a brown and tan chess board built into the top. There is a set of Red and a set of White chess pieces made of resin (imitation ivory, the pieces in the original set were carved ivory). Early games of chess made in ivory by master carvers and turners were often in red and white, or green and white combinations.     This is an exact reproduction of a chess set made in 1795 by John Calvert in England. John Calvert was a Master of the Worshipful Company of Turners in London.     Size: 38 cm x 38 cm x 10.8 cm, 15" x 15" x 4.25".     Game of Chess: Same chess men as in the John Calvert chess set. Comes in glass top display case. No chess board included, but is available separately. Size: 38cm x 31.5cm x 8.5cm, 15" x 12.5" x 3.25"     Chess Board: Chess Board. Chess Men not included. Size: 40 x 40 x 4.5cm, 15.75 x 15.75 x 1.75" Chess Men, Boards and Sets Chess Set with Storage Box copy of set by John Calvert 1795 England Game of Chess in Display Case no board Chess Board Classic no chessmen

Chess Men, Chess Sets and Chess Boards Check the box for each item wanted and update the quantity. When done selecting any/all items, click the "Put these in my cart!" button. Item Select Qty Price Chess Set with Storage Box  @ $180.00 each Game Of Chess: Pieces & Display Case  @ $175.00 each Chess Board: Classic @ $75.00 each

Dice and Dice Games

Although the earliest games of chance were played with dice that gave simple heads or tails results, dice with dots are as old as ancient Egypt and dice as we know them today were used in backgammon, probably the oldest game in recorded history.     Dicing games such as Hazard were 18th century tavern favorites in the North American colonies and the forerunner of today's most popular casino dice games. Although gambling may have met with disapproval from many proper colonists, dice were nonetheless a common household item as many board games called for a pair of dice for play.     Dice in various shapes and designs, made in materials both precious and common were found throughout the ancient world. In early America dice made of wood, bone or ivory would have been common.     Musket Ball Dice:     Wooden Dice:     Pewter Dice: While idle in the battlefield 18th century militiamen would take lead musket balls and hammer them into dice to while away the time at camp. We have packaged 3 of our lead free pewter dice, cast to closely resemble those imperfect handmade dice. Come in poly bag along with a history of dice and instructions for play.     Crown and Anchor: a dice gambling game dating back to the early 18th century. It was popular in the British Navy and also played, though less popular, with Australian and American sailors as well as other servicemen. The game uses three 6 sided dice and a board. Each of the dice have a different symbol on each of the six sides: a crown, an anchor, a spade, a heart, a diamond, and a club. The board / layout, often made of wood or cloth, also contains one each of these same symbols. The player places bets on one or more of the six symbols. The player then rolls the dice and is paid based on the number of symbols showing on the rolled dice corresponding to the symbols the player bet on. Payout is 1:1 for a matching symbol on the dice , 2:1 on a two and 3:1 on a three. The odds are in favor of the banker by around 7.5%. This game eventually evolved into the casino game of "Chuck a Luck". Information about Crown and Anchor dice game from Encyclopedia Britannica.   Currently NOT Available, we are looking for a good source for the dice AND board. Dice and Dice Games Musketball Dice   Pewter Dice   Wooden Dice, Crisp Edges Wooden Dice, Rounded Edges

Dice and Dice Games Check the box for each item wanted and update the quantity. When done selecting any/all items, click the "Put these in my cart!" button. Item Select Qty Price Musketball Dice (Package of 2) @ $4.20 each Pewter Dice (Package of 3) @ $3.95 each Wooden Dice, Crisp Edges (Package of 3) @ $3.00 each Wooden Dice, Rounded Edges (Package of 3) @ $4.30 each

Early American Dolls

Your little girl will love these adorable stuffed cotton dolls, just as much as little girls did in the 18th century. Each one is patterned after a typical Colonial resident circa 1770. These 12" high characters have wonderfully detailed outfits.     Sarah: A pretty little girl in a complete 18th century outfit, topped off with a bright red cloak.     Betsey: Sarah's friend and just as pretty, dressed properly in a teal dress with purple petticoat.     William: Wears the stylish red and blue uniform of the Fife and Drum Corp.     Eve: The African American doll dressed in working clothes that would have been appropriate for the time.     Penny Doll: This 6" doll is made of wood and was a common plaything for Early American girls. We've found that 20th century American girls like them too!     Penny Doll Kit: This is the Penny Doll plus some material and pattern to make her some clothes!     Corn Husk Doll Kit (Early American): The Early American Cornhusk Doll Kit (4710) includes real corn husks, string, fabric to make an apron and scarf, pattern, instructions, and history. This is a great kit for school projects. This doll also makes a nice centerpiece for a Thanksgiving table or mantle decoration and looks pretty in a large wreath. Cornhusk dolls can be made with or without the fabric additions. Size varies due to the length of the cornhusks.     Corn Husk Doll Kit (Traditional): Our Traditional Cornhusk Doll Kit (4712) includes real cornhusks, string, instructions, and history. This is the simplest of all cornhusk dolls and can be taught to the very young. The early settlers learned to make cornhusk dolls from Native Americans. String two or three of these dolls together with small pine cones for a pretty garland to hang during celebration times. Size varies due to the length of the cornhusks.     Handkerchief Doll Kit: Our Handkerchief Doll Kit (4705) includes one 15-inch square white handkerchief, ribbon, lace, needle, embroidery floss, stuffing, instructions, and history. This historical doll has been used for centuries to keep little girls quiet during church services and can be very easily made. Everything you need is included in the kit.     Miss Moppet Doll Kit: Our Miss Poppet Doll Kit (4708) includes fabric, string, yarn, stuffing, embroidery floss, sewing needle, pattern, instructions, and history. You only need to supply a pair of scissors and some time to make this historical doll. Miss Poppet is based on a similar surviving rag doll that is over 120 years old. You can choose to make the doll as it is shown or as a replica doll without arms, hair, and bonnet. Finished size is approximately 13 inches tall.     Pocket Folk Doll Kit: Our Pocket Folk Doll Kit (4704) includes muslin for two doll bodies, two different fabrics for the dresses, sewing needle, embroidery floss, stuffing for the bodies, instructions, and history. These sweet dolls are fun to make and perfect for two young hands! The dolls measure 3-1/4 inches tall when finished. This kit could serve as a sewing project for a young girl, a new mother, any crafter, or a folk doll collector. Each doll will be unique and can be played with as a toy, worn on a coat, set in a wreath, or placed on a mantle for decoration. Whatever their ultimate use, they may be a prized possession in the future.     Spoon Doll Kit: Our Spoon Doll Kit (4709) includes a 4-inch wooden spoon, fabric for dress and arms, needle, floss for sewing, yarn for hair, stuffing, instructions, and history. This is a popular American colonial doll craft for girls of all ages. This kit is also a nice project for colonial museum workshops, Girl Scout groups, elementary school classrooms, or for a parent-child activity. The cute little doll also looks great in a seasonal wreath or as part of a table decoration.     Easy-to-Make Early American Folk Dolls (Book): Our Easy-to-Make Early American Folk Dolls Book (94701) includes patterns, instructions, and histories for the following 12 dolls: Old-Fashioned Rag Doll, Traditional Handkerchief Doll (or Church Doll), Revolutionary War Knot Doll, Aunt Judith's Yarn Doll, Nineteenth-Century Felt Doll, Pioneer Leavings Doll, Classic Cornhusk Doll, Primitive Corncob Doll, Miniature Cloth Doll, Colonial Spoon Doll, Tied Handkerchief Doll, and Early American Poppet Doll. This collection is filled with nostalgic line drawings and interesting fun facts. Actual book size is 5-1/2 inches by 8-1/2 inches and contains 32 pages. Early American Dolls Sarah Betsey William Eve Penny Doll Penny Doll Kit Corn Husk Doll Kit Early American Corn Husk Doll Kit Traditional Handkerchief Doll Kit Miss Moppet Doll Kit Pocket Folk Doll Kit Spoon Doll Kit Book: Easy-to-Make Early American Folk Dolls

Early American Dolls Check the box for each item wanted and update the quantity. When done selecting any/all items, click the "Put these in my cart!" button. Item Select Qty Price Sarah Colonial Era Doll $24.00 Betsey Colonial Era Doll $24.00 William Colonial Era Doll $24.00 Eve Colonial Era Doll $24.00 Penny Doll $10.80 Penny Doll Kit with material and pattern $15.60 Corn Husk Doll Kit, Early American $9.30 Corn Husk Doll Kit, Traditional $5.80 Handkerchief Doll Kit $7.20 Miss Moppet Doll Kit $9.70 Pocket Folk Doll Kit $8.00 Spoon Doll Kit $5.80 Book: Easy-to-Make Early American Folk Dolls $6.00

Domino Games

Dutch Renaissance Domino Game: reproduction of a set crafted by a gifted Dutch renaissance artist over three centuries ago. Presented in a beautiful brass legged wood box. Rich in history, fun to play. An unsurpassed gift for the discerning. Size: 23cm x 24cm x 5cm, 9" x 9.5" x 2".     Wooden Dominoes Game: Our Wooden Dominoes set contains 28 double-six wooden dominoes, rules for play, and comes packaged in a wooden storage box with sliding lid. The storage box measures 6-3/4 inches by 1-1/2 inches by 2-1/4 inches.

Domino Games Check the box for each item wanted and update the quantity. When done selecting any/all items, click the "Put these in my cart!" button. Item Select Qty Price Wooden Dominoes Set, in wooden box  @ $7.00 each Dutch Renaissance Domino Game  @ $85.00 each

Fox and Geese / Solitaire Game

Peg games such as Solitaire, Fox & Geese, and Nine Men’s Morris were favorites in early American homes and taverns, and continued to be popular throughout the 19th century. Fox & Geese, a peg game in existence as early as the 14th century, was originally played on a 33 hole board; when Solitaire was popularized in the latter part of the 18th century (tradition has it that it was invented by a prisoner in the Bastille), the Fox & Geese game was transferred to the 37 hole Solitaire board.      Game of Fox & Geese and Solitaire The number of geese pitted against the fox has fluctuated over the years but the rules have remained basically unchanged: the fox, represented by a single peg, has to prevent the geese, represented by all the other pegs, from surrounding him. In the Solitaire version, all pegs but one must be removed from the board, with the final move ending in a designated hole. Our game board is hand made of solid native hardwood. The set includes a full set of game pegs, as well as a history of the game and instructions. Packaged in a printed box.

Price: $14.90 Qty: Add 2 Cart:

Game of Graces

Opponents send gaily beribboned hoops whirling towards each other to be caught on the tips of slender wands in this exciting and elegant sport. The game of Graces was considered both proper and beneficial exercise for young ladies in the early 1800's and it was proper as well for boys to join in as a "lark". Also known as Les Graces or the Flying Circle, the game of Graces was described as early as 1831 in "The American Girls Book" and judging by children's books and store advertisements, remained as popular throughout the 19th century.     We have two different sizes of the Game of Graces.     Large: has two 10" diameter solid wood grace hoops, packaged with 4 tapered 22" solid wood wands and 8 lengths of colored ribbon in a poly bag, with history and instructions. The larger hoop are easier for younger children to catch.     Small: has two 7" diameter solid wood grace hoops are packaged with 4 tapered 19" solid wood wands and 8 lengths of colored ribbon in a poly bag, with history and instructions. The smaller hoops make for a more challenging game. Game of Graces

Game of Graces Check the box for each item wanted and update the quantity. When done selecting any/all items, click the "Put these in my cart!" button. Item Select Qty Price Game of Graces, Large  @ $19.20 each Game of Graces, Small  @ $19.20 each

Hopscotch Games

Hopscotch has been a favorite game of children for centuries. It is played by marking squares on the ground and leaping into designated squares in a particular sequence. The name comes from the 17th century term escocher, meaning to cut or cut with a stick. This was the way children originally marked the playing surface (usually packed earth). It also may broadly relate to the term to the phrase to "scotch" something, as in scotching a rumor, meaning to put an end to a rumor.|     The game is played by scratching or marking a series of squares on the ground, sometimes single squares and sometimes two squares side by side, on which the children would jump. As a child progressed satisfactorily through the series of squares, a pebble would be tossed into the next square to mark the beginning square into which the child was to make their first jump. The remaining rules vary widely, but the object is to make the necessary leaps and maintain your balance as your progress through the series of squares.     Out of hopscotch, oddly enough, some elements of history have survived thanks to the chanted "calls" passed down from mother to daughter over long periods of time. Perhaps most notable and relevant to the antebellum and Civil War period is the chant which is known today as "The Pateroller Song" ("pateroller" is a term derived from the word "patrollers", a reference to the men who patrolled the highways and byways in search of runaway slaves), a song which slaves began long before the War Between the States began, and one that continues to this day through the hopscotch and jump-rope chant.     Hopscotch Game: Our Hopscotch game comes with sidewalk chalk, 5 pucks and directions for traditional hopscotch games.

Hopscotch Games Check the box for each item wanted and update the quantity. When done selecting any/all items, click the "Put these in my cart!" button. Item Select Qty Price Hopscotch Games. Sidewalk chalk, 5 pucks and directions  @ $7.00 each

Game of Jacks

The game we know as jacks was played in the ancient world over two thousand years ago with small animal bones or pebbles. In early America the game was known as five-stones or jack-stones. As time went on, one of the stones (The Jack) was replaced by a wooden ball, then rubber ball. The other stones were replaced by small pointed metal pieces reminiscent of the original animal knucklebones.     We have cast 10 jacks in lead-free pewter and packaged them with 1 wooden ball and 1 rubber ball in a suede pouch. It comes with a hang tag that provides a history of the game and rules for play. The pouch comes in a variety of colors.

Price: $7.50 Qty: Add 2 Cart:

Jacob's Ladder

The mysterious movement of this puzzling toy has fascinated generations of American children. Described in Scientific American (1889) as a "simple toy - very illusive in action", the Jacob's Ladder still confounds us with its seemingly inexplicable motion.     Our Jacob's Ladder is constructed of 6 solid wood segments attached with colorful grosgrain ribbon. Each toy is individually packaged with instructions for some tricks to add to the mystery.     Among the Puritans and Separatists and indeed among the Protestant sects up through the mid- to late nineteenth century, few toys were acceptable for amusement on the Sabbath, as the Sabbath was set aside for the exclusive purpose of worshipping God and reflecting upon His grace and mercies on that one day in seven. Most Protestant denominations were Sabbatarian then. The "Sunday Blue Laws" that were in place in most states even into the end of the 1960's throughout the country bear witness to the prevalence of that formerly-held conviction.     "Jacob's Ladder" was one of the toys acceptable for use on the Sabbath. Its construction was somewhat along the lines of a ladder, reminiscent then of Jacob’s ladder from the Old Testament.

Price: $9.60 Qty: Add 2 Cart:

Marbles

Marble games have been played in all parts of the world with all kinds of playing pieces for more than two thousand years. Children in colonial America played with marbles made of stone or clay, while glass marbles were highly prized among children's playthings in the 19th century. Enclosure games, hole games and conquering games are all traditional marble games that are still familiar today.     Glass Marbles: This game of Marbles contains traditional glass target marbles (30) and shooters (2) of assorted crystal rainbow and cats-eye colors. Each marble game is packaged in a suede pouch, with a hang tag that provides a history of marbles and instructions and rules of play. Suede pouches come in a variety of colors.     Clay Marbles: Our clay marbles are made to represent those that are so often found in historic area excavations. These old style marbles are not perfectly round nor are they totally consistent in size and so are perfect imitations of the original handmade clay marbles. Our Game of Clay Marbles contains 10 target marbles and 2 shooters, all made of red-brown non-toxic clay. Each marble game is packaged in a suede pouch, with a hang tag that provides a history of marbles and instructions and rules of play. Suede pouches come in a variety of colors.     Suede Leather Pouch with Pull Ties: this pouch / bag is made from suede leather and is about 4" x 5". It comes in various colors, including: blood red (shown), dark brown and light brown / tan. This is the same pouch that comes with the marble games. Marbles Glass Marbles Clay Marbles

Marbles Check the box for each item wanted and update the quantity. When done selecting any/all items, click the "Put these in my cart!" button. Item Select Qty Price Glass Marbles, with Suede Pouch @ $7.50 each Clay Marbles, with Suede Pouch @ $8.30 each Suede Leather Pouch with Pull Ties, 4" x 5"  @ $4.50 each

Marble Board Games

No Quarter Solitaire Games      To start the solitaire game, remove center (or any other) stone for playing. Play from outside to inside of the board. Goal is to end up with one single stone at the very center. No moving, only jumping (single and multiple) is allowed. Being solitaire, it's a game for a single player only.      The Solitaire Game with Precious Stones has a hand turned, polished and waxed mahogany board. 38 marbles, including 2 spares. Every marble is hand cut from semi-precious quarried mineral. Each with its own distinctive colorings and markings, no two are alike. The size of the 20mm game is: 26.5cm x 4cm, 10.5" x 1.5"      The Solitaire Game with Petrified Wood also has a hand turned, polished and waxed mahogany board. 38 marbles, including 2 spares. Only petrified tropical mahogany with its density of stone and its age going back to the dinosaur era, offers that intensity and depth of color. The size of the 20mm game is: 24.5cm x 4cm, 9.75" x 1.5" and the size of the 30 mm game is: 34.5cm x 4cm, 13.5" x 1.5". We only have one 30mm left, as the are discontinued!      The Solitaire Di Venezia Game (also known as Solitaire De Venise or Venezianisches Solitär). Venetian solitaire game. Hand turned solid mahogany board come with 38 unique 25mm hand-blown marbles, including 2 spares. The marbles are in all colors, highly decorated, with no two marbles the same. Hand-blown marbles can be identified by the small hole in the glass, a tell-tale sign of the glass rod used by the glass blower to hold and turn the sphere in the kiln. The size of the game board is 30cm x 5cm, 12" x 2". Chinese Checkers Game      A wonderful 19th century board game that can be played with six players, each using 10 pieces. The pieces are hand-polished marbles made out of semi-precious stones: Petrified Wood, Petrified Coral, Amethyst, Green Jasper, Red Jasper and Fancy Jasper.      The board is made of solid mahogany. The game comes with instructions. Size: 30cm x 4cm, 11.75" x 1.5". Marble Board Games 20mm, Precious Stones Solitaire di Venezia, Glass Marbles 20mm or 30mm Solitaire, Petrified Wood Chinese Checkers, Semi-Precious Stones

Marble Board Games Check the box for each item wanted and update the quantity. When done selecting any/all items, click the "Put these in my cart!" button. Item Select Qty Price 20mm Solitaire Game, Precious Stones @ $95.00 each 25mm Solitaire Di Venzia Game @ $75.00each

Nine Men Morris

Nine Men Morris: A Morris was an English dance from the 17th century, and the game was apparently named after the dance. The game board consists of a flat, square board into which 24 holes have been drilled, all following a progressively larger pattern of three squares of eight holes which form three holes to a side. Two differently colored pins are used (twelve for each player).     The object of the game is place your pins in such a way as to form a straight line of three of the same-color pins, while preventing your opponent from doing the same. The game was played in America as early as the mid-1700’s, and continued to enjoy popularity through the time of the War Between the States..

Nine Men Morris Check the box for each item wanted and update the quantity. When done selecting any/all items, click the "Put these in my cart!" button. Item Select Qty Price Nine Men Morris  @ $11.90 each

Table Top Nine-Pins

Ninepins has been a popular sport in North America since the Dutch settlers brought it with them to the Hudson River Valley in the 17th century. It is one of many forms of bowling games played in Europe since the time of the ancient Greeks and Romans. In colonial America men and women of all ages enjoyed the popular pastime of ninepins.     This set of tabletop ninepins, meant for playing indoors, has been developed from accounts and pint sources provided by the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation and has been produced with their permission. Out solid wood ninepins stand 5" tall. They are packaged with 2 solid wood 2" galls in a box printed with history and instructions for play.

Price: $13.80 Qty: Add 2 Cart:

Pick-Up Sticks (Jackstraws)

1700s on. The game of Pick-Up Sticks was originally known as Jackstraws. The game was introduced to the early settlers in America by the Indians. Jackstraws is the same game we all learned as Pick-Up Sticks when we were children. Rules and variations differed from area to area, but most had these rules in common:     The game is played with sticks or splinters, usually between 15 and 20, of about the same length. They were often dyed different colors, a custom dating from the 1700s. The sticks were held above the ground at a distance at least equal to the length of the longest stick or splinter in the bunch. They were then released, falling to the ground and overlapping each other. (A variation required that 1 stick of a different color or marking to distinguish it from the others would be placed in the bunch.)     The person who had just dropped the sticks began the game, removing one stick at a time and working through the pile to remove all of the sticks without causing any of the other sticks to move. The object of the game was to accumulate more sticks from the pile than the other players removed. In the event that any stick other than the one being removed was moved at all, that player forfeited his or her turn to the next person. At the end of the game, the player with the most sticks won.     Pick-Up Sticks: Our Wooden Pick-Up Sticks are a cut above! These exclusive sticks are made with smooth-tapered, round tips. The Wooden Pick-Up Sticks package includes a cloth, drawstring bag, game rules, scoring system, and a concise history.     Junior Pick Up Sticks: These are Bamboo Pick-Up Sticks 7-1/8 inches long. There are 41 sticks, packaged in a wooden box with a sliding lid. Box size is approximately 7-1/2 inches long by 1-3/4 wide by 1 inch high. Instructions and history are included. Pick-Up Sticks (Jackstraws) Wooden Pick-Up Sticks with bag Bamboo Pick-Up Sticks in wood box

Pick-Up Sticks (Jackstraws) Check the box for each item wanted and update the quantity. When done selecting any/all items, click the "Put these in my cart!" button. Item Select Qty Price Bamboo Pick Up Sticks in wooden box  $5.00 Wooden Pick-Up Sticks with bag  $8.40

Quoits

Quoits, Table Top Version: Our tabletop version of Quoits is the classic American ring toss game. It is a skill game that is similar to horseshoes. The stake or "hob" measures 3 inches by 3 inches by 3 inches and comes with two 2-3/4 inch diameter wooden rings and the game rules for traditional Quoits. Quoits was a popular parlor game.

Quoits Check the box for each item wanted and update the quantity. When done selecting any/all items, click the "Put these in my cart!" button. Item Select Qty Price Quoits, Table Top Version  @ $8.00 each

Rocking Horses, Victorian

Is it because we didn't have one as a child? It's hardly possible to think of a more timeless, popular, exciting toy that spanned ages and classes. Today's rocking horses are hardly different from the ones Victorian children used to ride in their playrooms. Only now they're popular, if pricey, home decor and are regarded less as toys. Our supplier's children grew up with a pony-sized wooden horse made in Britain.     The Medium and Large Rocking Horses are both made from solid mahogany and are expertly hand carved, hand-assembled and hand polished. Extreme attention and detail goes into the creation of each masterpiece. The saddles and bridles are made of leather. They have brass hardware, including the stirrups. They are both timeless pieces and a classic for any decor. The large rocking horse is a swinging rocking horse and has a classic safety stand.     Small: Our petite rocking horse has all the same features as our larger masterpiece. Hand carved and just the right size for mantel, desk, or pedestal. Size is 75cm x 13.5cm x 46cm, 29.5" x 5.25" x 18". We do have one of these in out store. Can ship by U.S. Mail or UPS.     Medium: Commanding presence with a size that fits pretty much everywhere. Iconic children’s playroom classic, hand carved in rich polished mahogany, saddler’s accoutrements, classic elegantly curved rockers. Size is 157cm x 31.5cm x 94cm, 61.75" x 12.5" x 37"". This item must be shipped by Truck, so shipping MAY vary from what the shopping cart shows.     Large: In the classic British manner, hand sculpted in laminated and hand polished mahogany. Synonymous with quality and detail. Truly a work of art. This reproduction is in high demand. Each piece made to order and truly unique. Swing horse on classic safety stand. The safety rockers are chrome plated. Size is 143cm x 46cm x 120cm, 56.5" x 18" x 47.25". This item must be shipped by Truck, so shipping MAY vary from what the shopping cart shows.     NOTE: These are hand made custom items and delivery time varies, Call for lead times. Victorian Rocking Horses  Small Medium Large

Victorian Rocking Horses Check the box for each item wanted and update the quantity. When done selecting any/all items, click the "Put these in my cart!" button. Item Select Qty Price Rocking Horse, Small Discontinued Rocking Horse, Medium Mahogany  Discontinued Rocking Horse, Large Mahogany Discontinued

Rolling Hoop

Sept 1850 Godey's      Children have been "rolling", "bowling" and "trundling" their hoops from the time of the ancient Egyptians through the hula hoop craze of the late 1950's. Artwork on ancient Greek vases illustrates hoops used in play as well as exercise. The early North American colonists brought this pastime with them from Europe, the hoops being made from whatever material was at hand. By Victorian times both wood and metal hoops were favorite playthings. The hoop can be trundled along, raced, used for skipping or twirling around the waist.     Our hoops are made of solid native hardwoods 28" in diameter x 1 1/2" wide and 1/4" thick. A dowel is included as a rolling stick, as well as a history card.     This is an oversized item and requires an extra shipping charge. Because of this we have INCLUDED shipping in its price. Here is a table of prices, depending on how many you order. Price INCLUDING shipping for US ONLY, including Alaska and Hawaii Quantity Price Each EXCEPT Western US Price Each Western US   Quantity Price Each EXCEPT Western US Price Each Western US 1 $49.25 $38.80   2 $35.85 $30.38 3 $31.25 $27.57   4 $28.90 $26.15 5 $27.50 $25.35   6 $26.50 $24.75 7 $25.95 $24.35   8 $25.42 $24.05 9 $25.00 $23.80   10 $24.75 $23.65 11 and up $24.50 $23.50

US, except Western US, including Alaska and Hawaii Price: $21.95 + Oversize Shipping Qty: Add 2 Cart: Western US: California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Nevada, Arizona Price: $21.95 + Oversize Shipping Qty: Add 2 Cart:

Tops

The whip top may be the most ancient member of the toy top family, thought to have originated in the Far East and making an appearance in manuscripts as early as the 14th century AD. At least 5 types of tops were known in England by the 16th century, including peg tops, whip tops and hand-spun tops. Toy tops brought to the new world colonies by European settlers would not have been the first tops on the North American continent, however. Tops of all kinds were very popular with North American Indian tribes, who often played their top games on the ice.     Peg Top: Our peg top is the familiar "turnip shape" top set in motion by a wound string. In the interests of safety we have adapted the traditional "peg" from a long, sharp point to a rounded spinning top. Our solid wood top is decorated with burned lines, packaged with history and instructions in either a poly bag or printed box.     Peg Top, Colorful: This peg top is similar to the Peg Top above. It is also the "turnip shape" top set in motion by a wound string and is 1-3/4 inches wide and 3 inches tall. The differences are that it comes in colors (Red or Blue), it has a pointed metal tip at the bottom and the string is a synthetic, not cotton twine. We cannot guarantee which color you will receive.     Whip Top: Whip tops are most often used in racing or endurance games. The top itself is tossed or twisted to start it spinning, whereupon it is lashed from the side with the whip to maintain the spin or drive it forward. The shape and size of out solid wood top is based on an 18th century engraving. The top is packaged in a poly bag with a whip consisting of a wood dowel with a rawhide lash attached. A history and instruction sheet is included.     Finger Top: Reproduction of the 19th century wooden spinning top. It is spun by holding between your thumb and fore finger and then snapping your fingers. Instructions for two top games are included on a card that comes with each Finger Top. They come in a natural wood finish and are 1-3/4 inches tall and 1-1/2 inches in diameter. Tops Peg Top Peg Top, Colorful Whip Top Finger Top

Tops Check the box for each item wanted and update the quantity. When done selecting any/all items, click the "Put these in my cart!" button. Item Select Qty Price Peg Top $4.50 Peg Top, Natural $5.40 Peg Top, Colorful $5.40 Whip Top $6.90 Finger Top $1.75

Whirli-Gigs (Horizontal Tops)

Simple whirling toys were mentioned in English literature as early as 1686, and would certainly have been as popular in early America as they were in Europe. Similar toys have also been found in Native American cliff ruins, indicating the toy’s antiquity in North America. A folk toy that could have been easily made with materials at hand, one can imagine this toy amusing children from colonial times right through the westward migrations, and continuing to fascinate children today.      Pewter Whirligig Whirling toys made of hammered lead musket balls or coins too old or thin to be of value have been excavated from early American towns, plantations, and military campsites. Our whirligig, packaged in a poly bag with a history and instruction insert, is fashioned from our lead-free pewter reproduction of a Spanish milled dollar, a silver coin widely used in North America during the 16th through early 19th centuries.      Wood Whirligig / Buzz Saw The sound of the whirling disk lends this folk toy its common name of “buzzer”, although it appears in English literature as early as 1686 under the general name for spinning toys, whirligig. The scalloped edge of our buzzer identifies it more particularly as a “buzz saw” toy. In past times the edge was often sharply cut into a sawtooth pattern, but a buzz saw with any shaped edge will produce an impressive loud, whizzing noise when it reaches full speed. WhirliGigs (Horizontal Tops) Pewter Wood / Buzz Saw

Whirli-Gigs (Horizontal Tops) Check the box for each item wanted and update the quantity. When done selecting any/all items, click the "Put these in my cart!" button. Item Select Qty Price Pewter Whirli-Gig @ $3.30 each Wood Whirli-Gig / Buzz Saw @ $5.00 each

Yo-Yo

The Yo-Yo date back more than 3,000 years. Ancient Stone Yo-Yo have been found in Greece. It became popular with the French Court in the 1700s and was called Jou-Jou. It became popular with English children of the 1800s. In the United State many patents for Yo-Yo improvements were applied for before, during and after the Civil War. The Yo-Yo was also known as the Bandelure and the Prince of Wales Toy.     Natural Wood Yo-Yo: Our Sleeper Yo-Yo package includes a natural wooden yo-yo, directions for five fun sleeper yo-yo tricks, and a brief history. There is always a new generation of kids that want to learn how to yo-yo.

Yo-Yo Check the box for each item wanted and update the quantity. When done selecting any/all items, click the "Put these in my cart!" button. Item Select Qty Price Yo-Yo of Natural Wood  @ 5.50 each

Student & Beginner Fifes
Item and Material	Price	Old Fort Snelling Instruction Book for Fife With Music of Early America Buy it today
Beginners Plastic Fife with an instruction sheet, music and history.	Quantity @ $ 6.90
Student Maple Fife with an instruction sheet, music and history.	Quantity @ $16.50
Student Persimmon Fife, same as Traditional, Old Pitch Fife with an instruction sheet, music and history.	Quantity @ $37.00

Whistles
Irish Tin Whistle	Tin Penny Whistle	Maple Penny Whistle	Persimmon Penny Whistle	Item	Price	Add to Cart	Penny Whistle Handbook
				Irish Tin Whistle. Key of D    (Plastic Mouth Piece)	$12.95	Brass Black (BK)
				Tin Penny Whistle	$5.50
				Maple Penny Whistle	$16.50
				Maple Penny Whistle     w/ Handbook	$28.50
				Persimmon Penny Whistle	$37.00
				Penny Whistle Handbook	$12.00

Jaw Harps
Jaw Harp A, Snoopy Jaw Harp B, Ozark Jaw Harp C, Cooperman Jaw Harp D, Tenor	Item	Price	Add to Cart
	Jaw Harp (A)	$6.50
	Jaw Harp (B)	$5.50
	Jaw Harp (C)	$4.50
	Jaw Harp (D), Tenor	$8.50

Bones, Musical in Rosewood or Maple
Maple	Rosewood	Type Wood and Price	Add to Cart
		Maple Bones $12.90
		Rosewood Bones $18.00

Youth, Child and Toy 19th Century Drums & Drum Sticks

The drummer was an integral part of military life during the 18th century and maintained a reduced but still important role into the mid-nineteenth century. A fifer and drummer, usually between the ages of 12 to 16, were attached to each Company in a regiment. In camp drummers sounded out the routine calls to duty. In the field, they signaled the commands of the officers. When the Companies of men were assembled, the musicians were massed to from a corps of fifers and drummers, which provided military music for parades, reviews and special ceremonies. Individually the musicians could be called upon to perform both formal and informal music for dancing and entertainment.     Youth / Child's Rope Tension Drum, by Cooperman's Fife and Drum: This is a downsized musical instrument rather than a toy. Dimensioned for a child's use, the drum is 10" in diameter and stands about 12" tall. The solid hardwood shell and hoops are cut and steam-bent at Cooperman's Vermont sawmill, much as they would have been in early America. The sounding surfaces, known as "heads", are made of natural vellum (animal-hide) and the distinctive sound of the snare drum is provided by natural gut snares stretched across the bottom of the drum.     Child's Toy Drums: These are Toy Drums and NOT musical instruments, like the Cooperman Youth Drum.        Rope Tension: Noble and Cooley Americana toy field drum is a replica (not necessarily a reproduction) ''cord and ear'' rope tension drum. 9'' diameter and approximately 9" high. Comes with sling and drum sticks.        American Lithographed: Noble and Cooley toy field drum using spring clamps for tension. It is based on the original lithographs from the 1880s. Metal shell embossed on the original machine with the same colors. This a much later period of tension than the rope tension drums. 9'' diameter and approximately 7 5/8" high. Comes with sling and drum sticks. Youth and Toy Drums. Youth / Childs Drum Sticks Cooperman Rope Tension Youth Drum Noble and Cooley Rope Tension Toy Drum Americana Lithographed Spring Clamp Tension Toy Drum Youth / Childs Drumsticks     Youth / Child's / Toy Drumsticks: Our toy drum sticks are a scale version of the snare drum sticks in use today by rudimental drummers who carry on these fife and drum traditions. These solid wood drum sticks are about 10 3/8" to 10 12" long and each pair is individually packaged in a poly bag with a history card.

Youth Rope Tension Drum and Drum Sticks  Check the box for each item wanted and update the quantity. When done selecting any/all items, click the "Put these in my cart!" button. Item Select Qty Price Cooperman Fife and Drum Youth / Child's Rope Tension Drum @ $162.00 each Noble and Cooley Rope Tension Toy Drum @ $37.00 each Noble and Cooley Americana Lithographed toy field drum @ $30.00 each Youth / Child's / Toy Drum Sticks @ $4.50 pair

More toys and games will be added, as we can.

Welcome to
AzRA Historical Resources - AzRAHist
Leavey Foundation for Historic Preservation, Inc.
d.b.a.: AzRA Re-Enactors Association
Contact Information

     Our forte is the 19th Century United States History covering the period 1820-1920. Including: Victorian, Edwardian, Mexican War, American Civil War (Confederate / CS / CSA and Union / US / USA), Indian Wars, Old West & Spanish-American (Span-Am) War. We are involved in both historic preservation and education. We hope teachers, students, historians & researchers will find these pages useful, as well as reenactors & production companies.

    Our Victorian, American Civil War (US / Union, CS / Confederate), Indian War, Old West and Edwardian toys, games and musical instruments have been seen in historical films and period pieces, such as: Glory; North and South, Book II; Back to the Future III; Far and Away, etc. And in television projects, such as: Ironclads, Geronimo (TNT), Buffalo Soldiers, Blind Justice, Los Locos and Young Riders.

Served From: 19th-century-us-history.com on