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Original Monopoly Set

This Monopoly set is one of only two known examples of what is referred to as the 'tie box' version of this ever popular game. The printed oil cloth 'board', which rolls around a rigid cardboard tube for storage, was hand colored by the Charles Darrow himself - the man credited with bringing the game to Parker Brothers. The other known example is sometimes on display at the Hasbro headquarters. Hasbro now holds the rights to the game. The set has the full complement of property cards, 15 each of Chance and Community Chest cards, 4 figural metal tokens, along with a quantity of wooden house and hotels. Also included is a printed copy of the original type written instructions. The first Darrow set was laid out on circular oil cloth. He later switched to a square board and when tired of hand lettering and lining the board himself he began having the cloth printed. In computer speak this would be version 2.1. This is a unique opportunity to acquire one of the iconic pieces of American board game history. Provenance: This game was given to a lady who home-nursed Mrs. Darrow after child birth. It was consigned by the sole heir of the former nurse. For many years it sat in a closet in Easton, PA - unused since the children of the household much preferred the folding board version of the game. board 23" sq., box 24" l.

Condition report

excellent (there is a 6" clean tear in the cloth near one corner, there is a removable tape repair on the back side which renders the tear near invisible from the front)