Pocket Games

[Lillian Dunbar]

These are the classic "get the bead in the hole" games. The rectangular one is probably the oldest and depicts a clown juggling balls and the holes are in the balls. It also says "Printed USA" in the lower right corner and "_OLMOR" in the bottom left" (one letter may be hidden under a staple. It is 5" long and 3.5" wide and has a glass cover, cardboard back and metallic beads. The circular ones are 2.75" in diameter and both indicate that were made in the Federal Republic of Germany. They have plastic covers, plastic beads and a mirrored backs. The Native American has the holes in his head dress and the elephant has the holes on its trunk and feet. Any info on these (age, manufacturer and value)?

[C. Dianne Zweig Editor's Desk]

Lillian, thanks so much for this wonderful post. Dianne

[Beth]

I  have several of these games also known as Dexterity Puzzles.  I believe the tin / mirror backs are the oldest , many  produced in Germany around the 1930's - 50's ,  often depicting black americana, these puzzles were tin embossed , round with a mirror back. Sizes range from 5 inches to 2 inches , many can be found on Ebay . I sold one about 6 yrs ago of a lil black boy sitting on a watermelon eating a piece of watermelon , it was darling , broke my heart to part with it ! These  continue to be highly collectibles and your lucky to find one under 100.00 . Your clown puzzle could be valued at around 35.00 to 45.00 and the two round ones 15.00 to 20.00

[Lillian Dunbar]

Thanks for the details on the dexterity puzzles, Beth.