The Game of Spellicans

[English, probably 1890-1900]. Wooden box, 120 x 46 x 23 mm; sliding lid with printed label worded ‘The Game of Spellicans. Round wood. This game may be played by two or more persons. The game does not only afford a source of amusement, but at the same time conveys instruction with it.‘; no maker’s imprint; the box is in fine condition, and contains a set of 27 wood spellicans (aka spillikins) and 2 hooks; these finely carved, fragile components with numbers annotated on them.

Another example is held in the Museum of Childhood collection at the Victoria & Albert Museum, London (MISC.4-1985). It has 29 spellicans and 2 hooks. There was also a variant made out of ox bone.

According to the V & A, ‘The label is green printed in black with the name. It is similar to those labels used by John Jaques & Son Ltd and the company did make these games.’

‘Spillikins and Jackstraws are similar games which test the player’s skill at removing straws or small sticks from a pile, one at a time. and without disturbing any of its neighbours. Any number may play. The game originated in China and is played with a set of about 30 ivory, wood, or plastic strips. These thin strips have carved heads representing animals, people, and other shapes. There is also a carved hook for moving the strips. The order of play is determined by a throw of dice or any other agreed means. The last person in the playing order then takes all the spillikins in one hand and drops them on to the table or floor. He must not interfere with any after they have left his hand. At his turn, each player takes the carved hook and attempts to remove a spillikin from the pile without disturbing any of the others. Once a player has started moving a particular one, he is not permitted to transfer his attack to a different one. If he is successful, he keeps the spillikin and tries to remove another one from the pile. A player’s turn continues until he disturbs a spillikin other than the one he is attacking. Play continues in this way until all the spillikins have been taken. Scoring: Each spillikin has a points value and a game is won by the player with the highest score. Spillikins that are generally fairly easy to move have a low value and more elaborate and difficult to move ones hve a correspondingly higher value.’ (V & A website)