Polychrome is a term used for the decoration of objects in multiple colors as opposed to monochrome decoration. The technique has been used since ancient times. It is often used to describe antique items such as architectural antiques and pottery, however, it also applies to other items such as games.
Below are some examples and price guides polychrome games and gaming furniture including a Folk Art game board and a carnival ball toss game.
FINE PAIR OF ANTIQUE ENGLISH HEPPLEWHITE GAME TABLES
The rectangular hinged satinwood rosewood banded tops with polychrome floral decoration and crimson felt playing surface above floral decorated frieze and tapering bellflower legs ending in spade feet. Height 29″ Length 36″ Depth 17 1/2″
Sold for US$2,750 at Mid-Atlantic Auction in 2023
Folk Art Game Board with Polychrome Paint – red and green polychrome paint, 23″ W x 27″ H.
Sold for US$175 at Stony Ridge Auction in 2023
FRENCH POW CARVED GAME BOX Prisoner of war carved bone, slide lid game box, with 36 carved dominoes, fancy carved slide lid, polychrome circles and half circles on all sides, carved feet with red and green decoration, 2″ h, 6 3/4″ l, 2 1/4″ w.
Sold for US$100 at Willis Henry Auctions Inc.
Large polychrome-painted carnival game wheel having windmills with spinning sheet iron blades, modern steel wall mount. Lacking pointer and one set of windmill blades, dirt and grime, wear from use. Wheel 35-1/2”dia, 44-1/2”h with metal extension rod for pointer.
Sold for US$450 at South Bay Auctions in 2023
Antique Folk Art Carnival ball toss game, First quarter 20th c., USA, an amazing looking object, polychrome painted wood, sheet metal, depicting a wide-mouthed clown face, old affixed paper labels, 36″h x 36″w x 16″d
Sold for US$1,100 at Millea Bros Ltd in 2023
