Highlights

Table skittles game

Artist
Locality
Oberammergau (?)
Date
c. 1830
Material
Wood, polychromed
Dimensions
H. 25.5 cm
Location
Currently not on display
Inventory Number
30/2009
Acquisition
Acquired from private ownership in 1930

Description

In the 19th century, Oberammergau became one of the most important manufacturing centres for wooden toys of all kinds in the German-speaking countries. In addition to simple play figures, vehicles or mechanical toys, the local craftsmen also produced elaborate table games. The table skittles game with its bust of a soldier as a ball thoroughfare is not a game that children were permitted to play on a daily basis. Rather, it is an elaborately designed piece that parents only handed out on special occasions, such as at Christmas or on the child's name day, which used to be more important than birthdays.

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