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  MASTERPIECE QUALITY AMERICAN PARCHEESI BOARD WITH CARRIAGE-PAINTED CENTER STAR, DIMINUTIVE SIZE, AND A BOLD COMBINATION OF SEVEN COLORS, CA 1870
Dimensions (inches):
Description:
Seven-color Parcheesi game board with outstanding surface, graphic presentation, and an unusual maroon or burgundy background, in a great, diminutive size. The board may have quite possibly been made by a carriage painter, given the style of painting in and around the center star, as well as by the precision of the overall work. Made circa 1870, the board is constructed of a wooden plank that is framed on the reverse to keep it from bowing, tacked in each corner from the front with a large upholstery tack. This could also be implied to suggest carriage-maker origin. There is a well-used checkerboard in the recessed back, with more carriage-painting around the frame.

Note in particular the four medallion-style spaces for extra game pieces, which instead of being all the same consist of two similar pairs of images. One set displays Dutch pinwheel-style hexes, while the other has designs like the quilt pattern often called "orange peel" or "Robbing Peter to Pay Paul". This could certainly suggest Pennsylvania German origin, possibly Mennonite, though the thickness of the wood and the colors to me suggests New York origin.

Condition: There are no significant condition issues on the front save very minor, expected loss. The checkerboard back is quite worn.
   
Primary Color: maroon, burgundy
Earliest Date: 1870
Latest Date: 1880
For Sale Status: Sold
Price SOLD
E-mail: info@jeffbridgman.com
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