France, ca. 1895. Box (41.0 x 27.4 x 6.0 cm) with pictorial wooden board with metal hooks. Art Nouveau style title mounted on lid.

A beautifully preserved copy of a challenging turn of the twentieth century skill game - now as much fun to play as 125 years ago. Titled Jeu des Pyramides, its shape capitalizes on the shape of a pyramid, containing 43 fine numbered metal hooks arranged in a triangle. This is accompanied by a wooden springboard and 12 brass rings. The goal is to shoot the rings to the pyramid with hooks. If a ring is caught by a hook, you score a given number of points. Three additional rings, different in size or material, have been added. A printed description of the Jeu des Pyramides is mounted on the inside of the lid. We note that there are some slight differences between the content of the box and some indications in the printed sheet with the rules of the game. The rules mention "every player must take the 5 rings of the same colour", but the brass rings are not coloured. Probably this game was made in several, slightly different versions, with some parts of the box not strictly in accordance with the printed rules. The box has been expertly restored and reinforced in some weakened and damaged parts (especially the sides of the box cover) by a leading French restorer of antique games, and is now firm and solid. Some scratches and traces of wear and soiling are still present in some parts of the box, outside and inside. Otherwise, a very attractive and charming item.