3 Color Decorated Checkers Board on Green Ground

Circa 1880s: This graphic 14 7/8"H x 15 1/4" gamboard features an unusual gold center medallion over a red and green playing surface that is bordered by pinstriping and floral cartouches in each corner. Note that the pinstriping and flowers have been drawn by hand, which gives the board a wonderfully naive and folksy appeal and shows us it was not purchased from a professional carriage or sign painter but is a one of a kind homemade effort (probably made as a Christmas gift as is evidenced by its traditional red, green, and gold paint scheme). The original paint on the single pine board is finely crazed, as advanced collectors would expect, and two original pine strips are attached to the reverse side with square nails in order to prevent the board from warping.