Boer War Games. There were two Boer Wars, the First Boer War was between 1880 and 1881. It was also known as the First Anglo-Boer War. The second Boer War was fought between 11 October 1899 and 31 May 1902 and was also known as the Boer War, Anglo-Boer War, or South African War. Reference: Wikipedia
Below are some examples and price guides of Boer War games including a rare set of model soldiers and a board game entitled “Called to Arms” which was a game of chance.
Extremely rare Boer War set, with oval bases (khaki version). Circa 1904. 10 pieces. Excellent condition. Box very good (some surface wear and missing inner card).
Sold for $1,700 at Old Toy Soldier Auctions USA in 2020
‘Called to Arms’ was a game that took players along a perilous route through battles and adventures during the Boer War . It was a simple game of chance rather than military strategy that clearly took the side of the British imperial forces against the Boers. As such there was an attempt to both excite players and instill with patriotic feelings. In this respect the game is material evidence of the relationship between popular culture and ideology.
Reference: Museum of Applied Art and Sciences
PARKER POP-GUN GAMES ‘Toy Soldiers and Battle Game Junior’ with nine Cuban soldiers and mounted officer with wooden repeating cannon and ammunition in original box with American War of Independence illustration (G, officer head loose, box G-F), ‘The Outpost Battle Game’ with thirteen American soldiers and mounted officer in original box with Boer War illustration (G, cannon missing, box F), item 404, European War Game Series, the English Army with nineteen card soldiers on wooden bases in original box (G-F, box P), Baldwin no.859 Coast Defence with eight card ship and aircraft pieces and wooden cannon in original box (G, box F), Builtrite ’35 Toy Soldiers’ with twenty-eight double sided card soldiers and twenty-one card bases in original box (VG, box F), two novelty toy soldier figures with drum and cannon, and seven card servicemen and ambulance in original box marked ‘Made in Occupied Japan’ in original plain box (VG, box G) 1946 (92)
Sold for £ 187 inc. premium at Bonham’s in 2012
Heyde Set 922 Dutch Boers twelve standing firing, nine marching at the ready, officer, bugler and standard bearer, in original box (G, box F, lid lacks sides)
Sold for GBP 411 at Christie’s in 2003
