Early Marbles Gameboard in Red, White, and Blue Paint

Circa 1870: In the decade following the Civil War and leading up to America's centennial anniversary, a justifiable wave of patriotism spread across the nation so that its people might begin to heal and reunite after their long and violent struggle. Consequently, many types of objects were decorated in Old Glory's red, white, and blue color palette, including this superb 24"H x 10.25"W marbles game in dry and unvarnished original paint. This patriotic gameboard is made of poplar and showcases square nail and bentwood construction and has proper wood shrinkage for its 170+ years of age. The paint's patina is excellent with bright shadow marks where numbered paper slips were once affixed, and, adding to its use history, there is beautifully whimsical children's handwriting on the front, back, and sides of the board with the dates 1869 and 1892. The note on the reverse claims that the game's original owner moved from Elmer to Vineland in 1869 and back to Vineland in 1892. These towns are fifteen miles apart in New Jersey; so this is most probably a New Jersey gameboard. Obviously, kids loved this board and played with it gently, and whoever made the game took great care and pride in its creation, using it as a lesson of unity for every child who rolled a marble across its great expanse.