Scarce Antique 1885 Queens of Literature Women Authors McLoughlin Bros Card Game

Description

Scarce Antique c1885 "Queens of Literature" Women Authors Card Game;
McLoughlin Bros., New York
.
In excellent/very good condition as seen in photos.
Offered here is a very rare McLoughlin Brothers card game celebrating women authors. Research only located one similar item in the Lilly Library collection at Indiana University (https://collections.libraries.indiana.edu/lilly/exhibitions_legacy/games/queenslit.html
). Their version is the "Popular Edition", which is half the size of this set, only featuring eight women authors and 32 cards.
This version is the larger set (I believe a little earlier than the Popular Edition), with 16 authors and 64 cards total. There are no missing cards in this set!
This set does show use/age, though is in remarkable condition for its age, with 22 cards showing only some aging/edge wear, 28 cards with that and also a slight crease (mostly across corners), 6 cards have varying degrees of paper loss or addition (as might happen when stuck cards are pulled apart), 6 cards have lost a small bit of a corner, 1 card has a 1/2" split coming down from the top at the center, and the 1 card with by far the worst damage, as shown in the final photo, has a larger corner loss. The two part box measures 8.5" x 6". It does not appear to have ever been hinged, possibly a cardboard insert is missing, which would extend beyond the bottom to fit inside the lid.
HOW TO PLAY (Though I imagine you might want to frame the 16 portrait cards with signatures!)
Each deck consists of a quantity of sets of four cards, each of which concerns the works of the authors represented. These sets of four are referred to as 'books.' The object of the game is to collect as many complete sets of 'books' as possible.
The game is best played with three to five players. The dealer shuffles and deals the entire deck, one card at a time, to each player, even if this means that some players receive more cards than others. Players should arrange the cards in their hands according to author so that they may better see which remaining cards are needed to complete a 'book.' As is typical with most card games, the player to the left of the dealer begins the game. That player may ask any other player for a card which is needed for a 'book.' If they have the necessary card, the first player continues to ask for another card until one cannot be found, and so on. Once all of the 'books' are complete, the player with the most sets of four wins the game.
Ask questions if you have them.
Free Priority Shipping!
TERMS OF SALE:
Item Description:
I take great effort to ensure that my listings contain all you need to buy knowledgeably. Items are accurately described and carefully photographed. If you need to know anything else - please ask.
Unless otherwise stated, items are used and sold as-is
.
Notification of Winning Bid:
eBay sends winners notification of their win. This is considered notification from me to you and your next step is to proceed to eBay's Checkout page. If payment is not received in a timely manner, eBay must be notified of nonpayment to get Final Value Fees refunded.
Thank you for reading (and observing) the above terms, and happy shopping!
Be sure to also visit UnitA1's Rare and Good Stuff Store on eBay!