1890’s Snakes & Ladders by John Jaques & Son Ltd., London

Description

An extremely rare and early version of the classic board game from the company that introduced it to the western world.  Estimated to date from the 1890’s, this antique game was published in England by John Jaques & Son Ltd. of Hatton Garden, London.  Snakes & Ladders (known as Chutes and Ladders in the U.S.) is based on the ancient Indian game Gyan Chauper.  It was popularised in the West during the British Raj.   This Victorian example is remarkable in that it appears to be complete, comprising of the board, wooden shaker, bone dice, six bone counters and the original rules.  The game board itself is in superb condition as shown.  It is especially rare to find one still contained in its original box.  The box is, understandably, a bit battered but is still in one piece.  Ideal for a museum or private collection.

Note.  There seems to be some confusion about when Snakes & Ladders was first published.  Although Wikipedia states that the game was introduced to the U.K. in the 1890’s, Jaques website clearly indicates that it was produced twenty years earlier in 1873?

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