The Improved and Illustrated Game of Dr. Busby.

Description:

The Improved and Illustrated Game of Dr. Busby. Salem: W. and S.B. Ives, 1843. Card game consisting of the original cloth-covered sleeve with printed green labels on front and back and 19 of 20 hand-colored cards, suits are eye (five cards),mortar and pestle (five cards),pan of milk (four cards),and spade (5 cards),the card showing Dr. Busby's servant is present in this set; cards and case worn, some cards bent, corners bumped, 3 1/2 x 2 1/2 in.
"The Game of Dr. Busby, perhaps the first original American card game, called on players' memory skills to win the game. It was packaged in a purposely nonsensical way, grouping twenty people and things into four suits or 'families.' The players, presumably children, had to remember who among the group had each card. Dr. Busby's black servant, an impeccably dressed and honorable man, is probably the earliest representation of an African-American in an American game." (Quoted from New York Historical Society's catalog: https://www.nyhistory.org/exhibit/improved-and-illustrated-game-dr-busby)
Estimate $100-150


The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections or the effects of aging. Condition requests can be obtained via email (lot inquiry button) or by telephone to the appropriate gallery location (Boston/617.350.5400 or Marlborough/508.970.3000). Any condition statement given, as a courtesy to a client, is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Skinner Inc. shall have no responsibility for any error or omission.

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