Jaques Minoru 'The New Race Game', 1914-18
"Minoru, The New Race Game", "Snakeskin" Edition, John Jaques & Son Ltd, circa 1914-18
the pressed cardboard box in a simulation of 'snakeskin' shagreen, 'Minoru' in gilt, the inside of the lid with a decorative coloured lithograph after John Sanderson-Wells (1872-1955): Minoru...The New Race Game...By Royal Letters Patent...DOUBLE EVENT...Sole Makers...John Jaques & Son Ltd, London...the interior including: a rolled cloth board, two packs of playing cards wrapped in red ribbon, coloured counters in red, yellow, blue and green, 8 painted lead racehorses by John Hill Co., and instruction pamphlet (dating from the 1920s), John Jaques & Son, Ltd., 20 & 21 Kirby Street, Hatton Garden, London, E.C.1.
44cm long, 17cm wide, 6cm high.
Stock Reference: AS 1878
Condition
'Very Good'. Traces of touching up/restoration to the 'snakeskin' box and gilt lettering and very slight/minor wear to the edges and hinges. Lead horses immaculate. Cloth excellent. Playing cards very similar to the originals, but probably replacements. Sold with a Minoru instruction pamphlet, circa 1925.
A Note From Luke
The game was invented by E. St Clair and marketed by Jaques & Son Ltd as 'Minoru' in December, 1909- named after King Edward VII's horse which famously won the Epsom Derby in that year. This game is a further development of Jaques's "Ascot" (1891), but the horses are moved by the turn of a card, rather than cords. This 'snakeskin' version is possibly a 'wartime' edition from the First World War period.
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