NINETEENTH CENTURY ARITHMETICAL CARD GAME. de CHILDREN'S GAME. JUVENILE.:

(London, John Betts? circa 1850).. Incomplete set of 72 pairs of uncoloured engraved cards 80 x 50 mm, 3¼ x 2 inches, versos blank, each depicting one half of an illustration with a multiplication problem below, so that finding the 2 halves gives a complete picture and the answer to the arithmetical question. On 25 pairs the sum involves shillings and pence. The illustrations do not relate to the arithmetical problem. They are mainly of different birds, plus wild and domestic animals (dogs, elephants, rhinos, etc) and 10 pairs feature farmers, cupids, ships, and animals dressed as humans. We have 1 shillings and pence card without a matching pair. A similar set of 48 pairs was issued by John Betts circa 1850 The Multiplication Table in Rhyme which featured hand coloured lithographs and a brief descriptive rhyming caption below the multiplication question and answer. See Caroline Goodfellow, Games and Puzzles, page 96 where it is illustrated. Our set looks somewhat earlier but no record of it has been traced. A few cards are slightly worn, one or two are slightly spotted, a child has written "giraffe" faintly on that card. Otherwise very good condition. They are without a box or booklet. Price includes VAT. MORE IMAGES ATTACHED TO THIS LISTING, ALL ZOOMABLE, FURTHER IMAGES ON REQUEST. POSTAGE AT COST.