Dimensions (cm): 38 x 160 x 51

Year: 1880's

Rare Victorian parlour game of switch back skittles.
Made by Burroughes and Watts.

Scientific and amusing, for young and old, in all seasons, somewhat similar to the old English game of Skittles. The board can be placed on any table. It is a source of great amusement, and no little skill, and was one of the most popular games.
This patent consists of a handsomely finished board of polished mahogany, 5 feet long and 18 inches wide, having a convex surface. The Nine Pins or Skittles are placed at one end, on a diamond, and at each side is a well to catch the pins or ball: On one side is fixed a brass pillar, from this runs a double rail in the form of a Switchback Railway. In a cup on the top of the pillar is placed the ivory ball, this is set rolling down the Switchback rail, which is so constructed that it gives the screw or twist given to a ball by players at the ordinary game of Skittles. By pulling a handle, which works a lever, the player can guide the ball in any required direction so as to strike any one of the skittles. A drawer holds the skittles and ball, and when the Switchback is not in use, the pillar and rails, being hinged, can be folded flat, so that the whole can be packed away in aspace 6 inches in depth.

Bar Code: 10305