111: A LARGE 19TH CENTURY FRENCH PAPIER MACHE SKITTLES GAME

The large, container with lift-off cover in the form of a circa 1900 French judge's hat holds the figural, painted papier mache' skittle pins and three kid leather game balls with hand stitched seams. The skittle figures relate to French society through depictions of a worker, police commanders, male and female judges in robes, an avocat or lawyer, and three figures perhaps related to clergy given their collar but with what appears to be ermine on their robes.

The French parlor game of 'jeu de quilles', which literally translates to 'skittles', was very popular in late 19th century France, and elsewhere, especially European countries. Examples like this 1890s set with nine pins and three rare, original hand laced kid leather balls such as these are very scarce.
Measures 16.5 x 17.5 x 17.5 inches. Each measures approximately 12 inches tall.
Good condition, noting wear to the thin, fragile coat of finish, and the general effects of age and use as shown.
$600 - $900