The New Game of Illustrated Proverbs
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1860-1890
"The New Game of Illustrated Proverbs" is a 64-card game published in England by John Jaques & Son Ltd between 1860 and 1890. Designed to be played similarly to Happy Families, the game comprises twelve sets of proverbs consisting of varying numbers of word cards.
The cards are printed on card stock using letterpress and lithography, with hand-coloured details, while the reverse faces are plain pink. Each card measures 8.6 cm in height by 5.7 cm in width. The lead card of each proverb set features a hand-coloured pictorial illustration, while each card across the set contains the complete text of the respective proverb along with individual large words. According to an advertisement on the rules leaflet, the illustrations were drawn by Phiz, and the game was issued in two series originally priced at one shilling each.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Historical context
The game was intended as a moral-based variation of Happy Families to instruct children in good behaviour. Players are dealt the proverb cards and ask opponents for missing cards belonging to proverbs they already hold, seeking to assemble complete sets. Unlike many traditional card games, gambling elements such as rewards and forfeits were omitted from the rules.
Physical characteristics
- Material
- Hand-coloured lithographed card
- Dimensions
- Height (card): 8.6 cm; Width (card): 5.7 cm
Technical characteristics
- Maker recorded
- John Jaques & Son Ltd
- Place recorded
- England
Identification
- Source note
- Transcribed from the Victoria and Albert Museum collection record for this single object; how far it represents a wider collectible type has not been independently verified.
- Museum object name
- The New Game of Illustrated Proverbs
- Museum object number
- MISC.135-1976
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.