Author: The Halma Company
Title: How to Play Progressive "Halma" (How to Give a Progressive "Halma" Party) + a Trade Card
Description: New York, E. I. Horseman, 1889. First Edition. A small booklet and a trade card, first edition. Book: 4 3/4 x 3 1/2; pp. [8]; pink wraps, illustrated with an engraving; advertisements to front wrap verso and back wrap; spotting to covers; thin split to tail of spine; small nick to upper corner; very good- condition. Card: 2 3/4 x 4 1/4; chromolithographed illustration and text to recto; printed text in black on verso; upper right corner neatly clipped, else minor wear to edges; very good or better condition. Published by E. I. Horseman (Edward Imeson Horseman) - a manufacturer and leader in the toy industry in the US in the 19th and the 20th centuries - the booklet cleverly advertised the Halma game by not only giving instructions on setting up and playing the game, but also describing how to use the game to organize a successful "singles' party." The game, invented in 1884, was the precursor to Chinese Checkers. It was said that ,if Halma was played by the rules, the gentlemen at the party had the opportunity to change partners, play and get acquainted with all the ladies in the room. The booklet also advertised Horsman's cameras and a facsimile letter of actress Lillie Langtry praising them was printed on the front wrap verso. The trade card, depicting three siblings hugging, read: "We are all so happy because we play "Halma" and Papa has promised if we are real good children we shall have "Basilinda," that new and delightful amusement by the author of "Halma. Very good .

Keywords: Games, Advertisement


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