Antique War Games. War games have been played with for centuries and vary considerably. Some games were made by prisoners of war while others depicted soldiers, war ships, battle strategies, or other themes connected with wars.
Some games could be very simple, such as the “Drummer Boy” game below. This was similar to other children’s games often found in annuals. Other games were more complicated and tended to lean towards adults.
Below are some examples and price guides of antique war games including a game entitled “War at Sea” and some French war games.
A Drummer Boy Game by Parker bros. Salem, Massachusetts. An original vintage board game. The cover depicts a young drummer in front of a war scene. In the game, you need to go through the playing field from the drummer boy to the colonel. Good condition with some stains and signs of use.
Dimensions: 15 x 8 1/2 in., (38 x 21.5 cm.)
Sold for US$200 at Antique Arena Inc. in 2020
Collection of tin soldiers. 20th century. Partly in original box. Hinchliffe Models Ltd. Meltham England.
Sold for €120 at Twents Veilinghuis in 2022
1897 Seo Hall & Son War At Sea Game
Large Format box, 16 X 23” with amazing cover art with bow-forward battleship. Top has some side remnants still attached. Inner board mounted to paper over wood frame with hinged game piece cover with 14 diecast pieces in the shape of ships,many have damage, though nice to see any at all! It shows wear commiserate with age and play.
Sold for US$340 at Weiss Auctions in 2022
French Board Games by Saussine Co. of Paris
These three board games depict two battle scenes and one game of see-saw. Jeu De La Bascule or The See-Saw game is written in French and English to follow. Garnd Jeu de la Guerre or Grand War under Napoleon, and Jeu Marocain or the War in Morocco that includes warriors from both sides. The games have no instructions other than your imagination. From 13 x 14 inches to 13 x 19 inches. Printed by the Saussine Co. of Paris France c1900
Sold for US$70 at Holabird Western Americana Collections in 2021
