A Vintage Mechanical French Horse Racing Game 'Jeu de course' by M.J. & Co.

SOLD

Origin: French
Period: Early Twentieth Century
Provenance: Unknown
Date: c.1905
Height: 5 inches
Width: 10 inches
Depth: 10 inches

A rare table-top parlour game, with six horses, that revolve along a circular track on a hidden wheel operated by a metal lever. The hand-painted lead horses each have a mounted jockey, and run through four decorative lead gates. There is a decorative metal manufacturer's plate to one side of the box, the game is complete with the original wooden lid, and is in good original condition with no restorations or touch-ups to the paint.'

Jeu de course' is essentially a betting game. Bets are placed before the wheel is spun, and the horse that gets closest to the finishing marker, without crossing the line is the winner. Choose your horse (suggested names include 'Hoof Hearted', Sheikh'nnotstirred', 'Cunning Stunt' and 'Sotally Tober'), and then place your bets!

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