[GAME - SKITTLES]

A set of nine late Victorian figural skittles pins. [England: late nineteenth century]. The pins comprise a wood figure, on a turned wood base, the figures each have a chromolithographed illustration pasted to one side. Approximately 10 1/2 inches (27 cm) tall. General light wear to the figures mostly at edges commensurate with age and use, chromolithographs lightly faded and toned.

The game of Skittles, a predecessor of present-day ninepin bowling, existed in many variations but was essentially a bowling-style game where players would throw a wooden disc (called the "cheese") into a group of pins (called "chalks"), in an attempt to knock them all down. The ball must strike the pins squarely and with force, otherwise they teeter without falling over. The player who knocked down all his pins in the fewest throws wins. The game was played for centuries in pubs and clubs throughout England, Scotland, and Wales. This is a particularly charming set of figural chalks from the late nineteenth century, showcases an eclectic group of men from all walks of life, including a dandy, a beggar, a well-to-do child, a bootblack, a group of soldiers, a hunter, and a Turk.

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