Civil War soldier's folding Cribbage Board.(SOLD)

This is another nice piece being offered, it is a Civil War soldier's folding Cribbage Board. It measures 5 3/4" x 3 3/4" x 2" in the closed position. When opened "10 1/4" x 3 3/4" x 1". Inside the box has the original paper lining – the tiny hook and eye closure still remains.

Cribbage is a game of cards played with the aid of a Cribbage Board. It originated in 17th century England where it is thought to have been invented by a poet. Sir John Suckling is believed to have made an adaptation of an older game called “Noddy” about which next to nothing is known in modern days. Cribbage was popular in the New England states where the pilgrims first brought it over from England. It was also the favorite card game of Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Franklin.

Many Union soldiers from the northern states brought these games along with them or had them sent by their families. There are similar examples of cribbage boards in The Civil War Collectors Encyclopedia, by Francis Lord. I have a near identical example of this box pictured in my book "The Civil War Soldier - His Personal Items" and go into more detail about games the soldiers played. (see pictures).

A while back I had an identical example of this board which belonged to a soldier in the 15th NJ Infantry. This board remains in very nice condition, only showing signs of normal use and the inlay is very nice. It would make a great addition to a display of a Civil War soldiers personal effects or a camp scene.