Collecting Antique Parlor Games

Antique parlor games are games that were popular in the 19th and early 20th centuries, played in the parlors of homes and social gatherings. These games were designed to be played by groups of people and were a form of entertainment that did not require electricity or technology.

One popular antique parlor game was Charades, a game in which one person acted out a phrase or word, and the other players had to guess what it was. Charades required creativity and acting skills and was a favorite game among adults and children.

Another popular game was Blind Man’s Bluff, in which one person was blindfolded and had to try to catch the other players. The other players would try to avoid being caught by moving around quietly and quickly, adding an element of suspense and excitement to the game.

Fortune-telling games were also popular during this time period. One such game was called The Oracle, in which a person asked a question and received an answer in the form of a poem or riddle. Another fortune-telling game was called The Tea Cup Game, in which a person would drink tea from a cup and then turn the cup over onto a saucer. The patterns left by the tea leaves would then be interpreted to predict the person’s future.

Board games were also popular in the 19th and early 20th centuries, with games like Checkers, Chess, and Backgammon being played by many. These games required strategy and critical thinking, and were a great way to pass the time with friends and family.

While antique parlor games may seem outdated to some, they still hold a charm and appeal to many people today. They offer a nostalgic glimpse into a time before technology, when people relied on their own creativity and social skills to entertain themselves. Playing these games can be a fun way to spend time with friends and family, and can provide a break from the constant stimulation of modern life.

Several wonderful examples of antique parlor games are available at Duckwells. New inventory is continually added, sign up for our newsletter to be updated on additional antique games and puzzles.