Patriotic 6 Color Parcheesi Board with Home Square

Circa 1865-1890: This fantastic framed Parcheesi board features exceptionally an bright original paint decorated surface. When highly respected Pennsylvania antiques dealer Steven Still discovered and purchased this incredible gameboard, he removed the broken glass that had been in the frame since the board was made. Because the glass sealed the painted surface, the paint was never exposed to the air, leaving the colors with their original vibrancy. When the board was painted, there is one spot where the maker accidentally put a fingertip on the wet paint, leaving a faint impression for all to see its human connection. When the board was finished, it was housed under glass and nailed into a black frame. Because the frame is nailed to the board itself, we, like Mr. Still, wisely decided not to pull the frame from the single poplar board and replace its glass. The board can be hung one of two ways: traditionally (18 6/8" x 18 1/4") or as a diamond (26 1/4" x 26"). What strikes us most about this board is the patriotic red, white, and blue playing field surrounded by the bright yellow centered corner squares. The maroon paint was often used on Pennsylvania Amish and Mennonite furniture in the fourth quarter of the 19th century; so this board is most likely of Pennsylvania origin and probably made by a cabinet make or carriage painter. As a caveat, this wonderful board also has a painted home square in the aesthetic style of the day.