Marble game:Tip I Tip Marble Game

The W.S. Reed Toy Co. of Leomeister, MA, produced the "Tip Marble Game" in 1892. Reed is recognized for high-quality wood toys; this example demonstrates that. The tipping action of the cups as the marble falls calls to mind the tumbling action of the acrobats and clowns that illustrate the game. On the bottom board, where the marble finally settles, an image of a fan-carrying clown looks very similar to the Japanesque characters from Gilbert and Sullivan's famed operetta "The Mikado." This play premiered in 1885 and enjoyed great popularity in both Europe and the United States afterwards.