Ragged Soldier Sutlery and Vintage Volumes

Many, if not most, of the games played by children of the mid-nineteenth century required little, if any, equipment. The booklet Children's Games of the Mid-Nineteenth Century contains some of these frequently active games that children played, requiring usually only willing participants. However, a few games -- as opposed to sports which usually have equipment requirements -- did have some necessary equipment or parts. Some, like the board games of fox and geese or nine-man's morris, used a playing board or surface where the movement of markers was the object. Others, like graces or tip cat, used the equipment to promote a physical activity.

Games

Game	Short Description	Price
Chinese Puzzle or Tangram	A geometric puzzle popular during the nineteenth century with numerous variations. Comes with 24 puzzle patterns and solutions. Three different types available	See Individual Page
Dice	Dice could be used for a variety of games, especially by the soldiers. In this latter category was the game chuck-a-luck. The dice come three to a set in both wood and, to simulate lead dice hammered from musket balls, pewter.	Pewter $ 3.25 Wood $ 2.50
Dominoes	Dominoes were a popular pastime during the 19th century. Milton Bradley's "Games for the Soldiers" included pieces and rules for four different games. They were also used in a variety of magic tricks.	$ 6.50
Fox & Geese	This game dates back to the 1300's in Europe. It was brought over with the colonists and is mentioned in children's activity books of the 19th Century.	$ 12.10
Graces	This game is mentioned in activity books for both boys and girls. It consists of two pairs of sticks, two wooden hoops, and some ribbons for ornament. The hoop is tossed back and forth on the sticks and, with the ribbons attached, almost looks like a period illustration.	$ 15.75
Graces Replacement Hoops	In case you lose a hoop, these are the wooden hoops only without the ribbons.	$ 4.50
Jacks	This set comes complete with pewter jacks, both rubber and wooden balls, and a carrying bag.	$ 6.25
Jackstraws	Very similar to pickup sticks in the way it is played. However, these have carved implements instead of the smooth sticks of regular pickup sticks.	$ 5.85
Marbles	These marbles are made of baked clay similar to those boys could have purchased inexpensively or even made themselves for the many games they played with marbles. Includes ten small marbles, one large shooter, and a leather pouch.	$ 6.60
Nine Man's Morris	A strategy game for two players mentioned in numerous game books.	$ 15.00
Nine Pins	This is a tabletop or indoor version of a game similar to bowling.	$ 11.50
Pick-Up Sticks	Also known as Jackstraws, the rules have not changed from the way they are played now.	$ 5.50
Pinball	No longer available.
Tip Cat	A game consisting of a pointed block of wood that is hit with a flat bat. Several different games are possible. Directions for the different games are included.	$ 5.85
Trap Ball	A precursor for baseball involving a ball launcher and a flat bat.	$ 45.00