Game Board Value & Price Guide

Collecting game boards offers a unique intersection of social history, folk art, and craftsmanship. From hand-carved ivory cribbage sets to mass-produced mid-century lithographs, these items represent the evolution of leisure and domestic entertainment across centuries.

Price Range: $50 - $70 based on recent sales

History of Game Board

The history of game boards spans from ancient civilizations to the modern industrial era, evolving from hand-painted wooden planks to sophisticated lithographed cardboard. In the late 19th century, companies like Carrom and Archarena revolutionized the market by creating multi-functional 'combination' boards that allowed families to play dozens of different games on a single surface. During the mid-20th century, the rise of companies like Whitman and Milton Bradley brought colorful, pop-culture-themed boards into the mainstream, while high-end materials like onyx and ivory remained reserved for luxury sets. Today, collectors value these items both for their nostalgic appeal and as examples of period-specific graphic design and woodworking.

Value Factors for Game Board

The typical price range for Game Board is $50 - $70 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Material quality, ranging from common plywood and plastic to premium materials like onyx, ivory, or inlaid hardwoods.
• Rarity and age, with late 19th-century Victorian boards commanding significantly higher prices than mass-produced 1970s versions.
• Condition of the graphics, specifically the vibrancy of the lithography or the preservation of hand-painted details on wooden surfaces.

Tips for Buying Game Board

• Examine the playing surface for significant paint loss or warping, as these defects greatly impact both display value and playability.
• Verify the presence of original game pieces, such as checkers or carrom rings, which can double the value of a standalone board.
• Look for maker's marks or patent dates on the frame or underside, particularly for early 20th-century manufacturers like Archarena or Milton Bradley.

Items in This Collection

• Backgammon Game Board
• Wooden Cribbage Board
• Vintage Carrom Game Board
• Bicycle 3-Track Wooden Cribbage Board
• Archarena Combination Game Board
• Whitman Crown Checkers
• Chinese Ivory Cribbage Board
• Inlaid Wood Cribbage Board