Toys Handcrafted in the 18th Century Manner
Ball & Cup
These Toys were a popular game of skill for children in the eighteenth century. The trick is to get the ball to rest on the cup, (not as easy as it looks.) This toy is made from various Pennsylvania hardwoods. Each Ball and Cup are individually turned on a lathe.
Battledore and Shuttlecock
This is another ancient game probably developed in Greece. Peasants played it in medieval England and by the 18th century it had become a popular children’s game. The bats are made out of poplar and milk painted various colors. The shuttlecocks are 1″ cork balls with a feather glued into them.
Bats are 7 1/2″ x 11 1/2″
additional Shuttlecocks are available for $4.00 each
Tops are among the oldest Toys known, and they still fascinate children (and adults) today as they did in the 18th century. This top is more sophisticated than most. It has a special holder to set the top spinning, rather than just wrapping the string around the top.
Top is approximately 3″ in dia. x 6″ long
This is one of the most popular toys of the eighteenth century. They were made in all shapes and sizes from a variety of woods. Tops are among the oldest toys known and they continue to amuse children today. These tops will spin for a surprising length of time.
Approximately 2″ x 2″
Draughts is a classic strategy game that has provided hours of entertainment for all ages. The game of Draughts, better known as Checkers in North America, originated around 1000 AD in France. The game then made its way to England around the 16th century where it was given the name draughts. It later became known as checkers in the colonies. To play draughts, follow today’s rules for Checkers.
Also included, flip the board over and you can play Nine Men’s Morris. (see below)
Board is 3/4″ thick x 12″ wide x 16″ long and pieces are 1/4″ x 1-1/4″
The head of the pony is made from White Pine with leather ears and mane tacked on with brass tacks. The bridle is heavy copper wire which the reins are attached to. All children enjoy riding this horse and it also encourages imaginative play.
Head is: 2” thick 8” high 10” long
Stick is: 1” dia. 36” long
Country woodworkers often made this Toy for their children, and, like those that we buy for our children today, early toys were often miniature copies of objects used by adults. This knife is copied from an early 18th century example. It is made from various Pennsylvania hardwoods.
The game was played at an agreed distance and was a test to see who could knock down all the pins in the least number of throws. This was a popular game in the colonies up until the early 19th century when it was outlawed and replaced by ten pins. Various woods are used for these pieces but all pins will match as well as the two balls.
Balls are 4” round
Pins are 2” dia. x 12” long
Nine Men’s Morris
Also known as “The Mill” or “Morells” Eighteen game pieces and the board are included. The board can be flipped over and you can play Draughts (see above). Each player begins with nine game pieces. They then take turns placing the pieces onto the board while trying to form a “mill”. When a player has a mill he is permitted to take one of his opponent’s pieces that is not part of any mill. Then, each player moves his pieces one at a time continuing to make mills. The player with the most pieces on the board wins.
Also included, flip the board over and you can play Draughts. (see above).
Line of Three
This game is believed to have originated in ancient Rome. Play starts with the game set up as shown in the photo. Players then take turns moving one space at a time into any open space in an attempt to form another line of three, other than where they started. A game board, Six game pieces, an instruction sheet and a bag are included.
Game board is 5 1/4″ square Game pieces are 1 1/4″
The history of dice is as old as the history of man. Archeologists have unearthed dice as old as 900 B.C. Dice were very popular in Europe as far back as the Middle Ages and into the 18th Century. In the New World, dice became a household item among the colonists.
This simple toy can provide hours of enjoyment. Place the dowel between the palms of your hands and push forward with your right hand while gently tossing the flying machine into the air. Watch it fly! As it slows down it will gradually descend to the ground.
Toy Cartridge Box
This is a copy of a simple over the shoulder cartridge box which will round out your little ones 18th century kit. The cartridge block is made from Pennsylvania pine and has five 3/4″ holes drilled in it to accept paper cartridges. The flap is made from black leather and the strap is 1″ cotton webbing. A great addition to the rifle or blunderbuss.
6″ w x 1 1/2″ d x 3″ h
Country woodworkers often made this Toy for their children, and, like those that we buy for our children today, early toys were often miniature copies of objects used by adults. This pistol is copied from an 18th century example. It is made from various Pennsylvania hardwoods.
Country woodworkers often made this Toy for their children, and, like those that we buy for our children today, early toys were often miniature copies of objects used by adults. This blunderbuss is loosely copied from an 18th century example. It is made from various Pennsylvania hardwoods.
Country woodworkers often made this Toy for their children and like those that we buy for our children today, early toys were often miniature copies of objects used by adults. This Rifle is loosely copied from an 18th century example. It is made from various Pennsylvania hardwoods.
5” high x 36” long