Vintage Parcheesi: The board game that’s been around for more than 140 years

Vintage Parcheesi board games have been around for more than 140 years

Note: This article may feature affiliate links, and purchases made may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you. Find out more here.

Facebook
Pinterest
Twitter
Email
LinkedIn
Pocket
Reddit

Antique Parcheesi game – EG Selchow and Co (1879)

Bayard Taylor, in his entertaining book entitled “India, China and Japan,” mentions this peculiar game of India, which he saw at Delhi, formed of marble on a large and magnificent plan, occupying a portion of the King’s palace grounds as follows:

“Within these fairy precincts like the garden, still overrun with roses and jessamine vines, in the midst of which fountains are playing. There is also a court, paved with marbles of various colors, so as to form a Parcheesi board. This is a game somewhat resembling backgammon, but instead of ivory pieces, it was played by Akbar and his wives, or eunuchs with girls, who passed from space to space as the moves were made.”

We have arranged this attractive game on a folding board, for the parlor or center table, each one in six handsome colors and accompanied with an elegant box, containing the twenty-four pieces used in playing, with the diagram and directions for two distinct games.

Popular edition is bound in durable and handsome green paper (imitation cloth) with scarlet labels printed in best gold bronze. A box containing eight dice, sixteen counters of heavy pasteboard, and directions accompany the board; the whole forming the most complete and attractive dollar game in the market.

Antique Parcheesi game - EG Selchow and Co from 1879

MORE: 50+ old-fashioned games: Take look back at what people played 100 years ago


When did you last play Parcheesi? (1979)

Maybe you played it as a child, within earshot of “The Shadow” on radio. Or maybe it was that long-ago summer by the lake. Or it could have been last week in the family room.

No matter. Parcheesi, the Royal Game of India, has been around for a hundred years or more. It’s still as much fun now as when bejeweled rajahs played it with their favorites when the monsoons kept them indoors.

Think about it. If it wasn’t fun to play, could it have lasted this long?

Selchow & Righter: Another name for fun and games

PLAY IT NOW: See current versions of this board game here

Vintage Parcheesi game 1979


Antique board games: The Game of Four Nines (Parcheesi)

This is a simple and easily-learned game, in which chance and skill are combined in about the proper proportion to suit the great majority of players.

Two, three or four may play, and the interest never lags from start to finish. The board is the folding style and very handsome. Implements are put up in a separate box. Size of playing board: 18-2/3 x 18-1/2. 

Victorian board games - The Game of Four Nines - Early Parcheesi


Antique Parcheesi board game from 1922

An old-fashioned game which never loses its popularity. Two, three or four may play at one time. Back of board is covered with imitation leather; front is brightly-colored. Four dice cups, four dice, and 16 brightly-colored counters are included.

ALSO SEE: About Tiddlywinks: The history of the old-fashioned game people keep rediscovering

Antique Parcheesi board game from 1922


Vintage Parcheesi family party from 1967

MORE: Popular vintage board games from the ’60s

Parcheesi family party from 1967


President Calvin Coolidge playing Parcheesi game with family (1923)

President Calvin Coolidge playing Parcheesi game with family 1923

PS: If you liked this article, please share it! You can also get our free newsletter, follow us on Facebook & Pinterest. Thanks for visiting and for supporting a small business! 🤩 

Facebook
Pinterest
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email

You might also like...

The fun never ends:

Comments on this story

Leave a comment here!

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.