games - Anything In Particular

Vintage Merit “Crazy Faces” creative toy (fruit and vegetables not supplied!)

Jon Nix — Tue, 08 Nov 2022 21:22:51 +0000

Whilst the vastly more well-known Mr Potato Head was basically a plastic body of a potato into which pieces were inserted, this Merit "Crazy Faces" toy takes a more literal approach - in the sense that actual fruit and vegetables are the intended recipients of the pieces. Helpfully, the box points out that the fruit and vegetables are "not supplied". Included in the set are feet, ears, eyes, hands, and various other pieces, including wig hair! It all looks like good, clean fun. Perhaps not clean, sorry parents! ;)

It's possibly not 100% complete - a couple of felt pieces are perhaps missing and might be re-creatable - but it is nonetheless a fun item and very usable "as is" if that is the intent.

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Spear’s Games “The Merry Game of Floundering” (1950s)

Jon Nix — Wed, 26 Oct 2022 20:40:51 +0000

The vintage game of Floundering by Spears, this edition dating from the 1950s, is a dice-based game where players "catch" or "poach" pieces in order to form fish shapes -- flounders, naturally. This one is complete with all pieces (to make 12 fish in total), 2 dice and instructions printed on the underside of the lid. The game does not include the original dice roller / beaker, but that's not too major a loss. The playing pieces are in good condition considering their age and use, as is the box which has some slight wear to the edges and some ink on one side to the word "Floundering" (see photos).

It's good vintage fun, and we're not just angling for a sale when we say that.

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Vintage 1974 Ideal Tip-It Balancing Game – The wackiest…

Jon Nix — Thu, 22 Oct 2020 00:05:28 +0000

The wackiest balancing game ever...! That's the claim of Ideal for "Tip-It" and who are we to disagree. It's certainly a lot of fun. The aim of this 1974 game is for each player in turn to try to remove a coloured disc from one of the pegs on the tripod using the "fork" without disturbing the balancing acrobat figure at the top of the pole. It's that simple. But it's also difficult... and entertaining. The merest nudge of the tripod sends the acrobat perilously towards oblivion, it's so finely balanced.

In complete order and working condition. The outer box has some wear and slight damage to the corners, some deformation, and a small puncture on the lid, but it's in reasonable condition overall given its age. The instructions are printed on the inside of the lid.

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Texas Instruments Little Professor (1976)

Jon Nix — Fri, 26 Oct 2018 11:26:12 +0000

Complete and in very good condition, this Texas Instruments Little Professor dates from 1976 and was a colourful attempt to make maths more fun. Despite looking like a calculator, these early models rather bizarrely lacked that functionality, instead solely providing mathematic puzzles which vary from simple arithmetic to number finding games, led by the included activity cards.

This one is in fully working order, has the complete set of cards, and the box isn't in bad shape either.

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Spear’s “Stranded” Board Game, 1981

Jon Nix — Tue, 05 Jun 2018 23:54:38 +0000

The Spear's Games board game that you probably don't remember or have ever heard of! In fact, we'd never heard of it either, until now. It's a strategy game, dating from 1981 and featuring a board, dividing links and player pieces, the aim of which is tomove along and remove links whilst staying unconnected to your competitor.

The box shows signs of wear and tear, but the game is complete and otherwise in good condition. Your chance to play the game that no-one is talking about and probably never talked about! ;)

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Spear’s Games “The Merry Game of Floundering” (1950s)

Jon Nix — Wed, 07 Mar 2018 20:54:13 +0000

The vintage game of Floundering by Spears, this edition dating from the 1950s, is a dice-based game where players "catch" or "poach" pieces in order to form fish -- flounders, naturally. This one is complete with the pieces (to make 12 fish in total), 2 dice and a beaker and instructions printed on the underside of the lid. The box is in fair condition with some rubbing to the edges and some writing on the underneath of tray.

Looks like good vintage fun to us, and we're not just angling for a sale when we say that.

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Waddington’s Game of Jack Straws

Jon Nix — Mon, 02 Oct 2017 18:00:26 +0000

Waddington's Game of Jack Straws, a variant of pick up sticks, in fabulous condition (just some minor marks from being taped up) and made by Target Games in the 1960s. This example is complete and is just urging to be played - instructions included! Not to be confused with later "vintage" copies, this is the original and real-deal!

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Vintage Spear’s HEX game

Jon Nix — Thu, 14 Sep 2017 20:45:35 +0000

This HEX board game was made in the 1960s by J.W. Spear & Sons Ltd, England. It definitely has the look and feel of the era! The aim is to complete flowers by matching the coloured shapes and building up patterns. The rules are printed on the inside lid of the box - which is in extremely good condition - and there is a score board on the inside of the box, with numbered holes and plastic pegs. It's all complete (80 coloured "pieces" and 12 player counters) and ready for a really radical retro games night!

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