1880’s Perlen Mosaik Spiel (Mosaic Game) by Könemann of Rudolstadt, Germany

Description

Superb example of a quality German Toy / Game, dating from the Victorian period c.1880’s.  The game is in very good antique condition and even includes the original booklet showing many sample designs.  The names of the original owners, Irene and Eric Bennett, are hand-written on the front of this booklet.  The game also includes a pair of small metal tweezers, used to place the beads onto the grid.  Instructions (in German) are printed on the underside of the slide-top box lid.  All the game components are held in the original segmented wooden box, which is also in very good order.

The game was manufactured in Germany by Könemann of Rudolstadt.  Following manufacture, the game was imported into the U.K. for sale.  The base of the box has evidence of a retailers stamp for Gamages.  This department store, located in Holborn, London, was well known for its toys and traded between 1878 and 1972.

Historical Note.  It appears that a copy of this game was owned by Albert Einstein as a Child (link).  That particular example sold at auction for $13,000.

Box measures 27 x 19 x 5 cm.

Pease refer to all the photos as these form an integral part of the item description.