Vintage Toys

Stocks and Bonds 3M Bookshelf Game (Photos)

Posted on April 25, 2014 by CharlieClaywell

This game has been released with several looks, but the one I have is the 1964 3M Bookshelf version. The bookshelf games were built to last — and as the name suggests — were designed to be placed on a bookshelf for storage. The most interesting part of this particular find, for me, is the marketing booklet included in the game (pictured above).

Description

1964 version of the 3M Company’s Bookshelf Game Stocks & Bonds.

The game includes scorecards to record your finances after each round of play, dice, chalk and eraser, stock certificates, a flexible chalkboard and action cards (Bear market, etc.). Game also include stock calculator which is based on roll of the dice and a card explaining each of the stock.

How to Play
Players take turn rolling the dice and attempt to improve their wealth by buying and selling stock.

Value
The 1964 version in mint condition can sell for $50. Played with, but compete versions, sell for around $20.

Current Auction

For a list of current eBay prices, click here.

Categories: board games, Vintage Toys

Broker board game from 60s lets you manipulate stock market (Photo)

Posted on April 3, 2014 by CharlieClaywell

Broker: The Exciting Stock Market Game by Spencer-Murray Corp. Swarthmore, PA.

This game underwent several cosmetic changes, but it failed to capture the playing public’s interest despite being a fairly well-thought out financial strategy game. The 1961 version that I have was manufactured by the Spencer-Murray Corporation in Pennsylvania. The game was eventually purchased by the precursor of the Ravensburger company.

Description
The 1961 version is very drab with a barebones black-and-white box. The four company stocks and the play money don’t do much to improve the overall look of the game. It is almost as if the designers wanted the game to be about the strategy and they did not want a flashy design to get in the way. The four stocks used in the game are: Proton Electronics, Golden Eagle Airline, Sapphire Cartel and River Rouge Motors.

How to Play
You buy and sell stock and use Market Action Cards to strategically manipulate the market to your advantage and to your opponent’s disadvantage. However, if the stocks you are holding all crash, you are eliminated from the game. Because the complexity of the game, the instructions offer tips on how to play the first time to improve your skill.

Value
The 1961 version in complete, but played in condition, is worth about $20.

Categories: Vintage Toys

Vintage Vamoose Pocket Game Designed For On-The-Go Families (Photo)

Posted on March 20, 2014 by CharlieClaywell

Another in the Series of Famous Pocket Games: Vamoose

Vamoose, as you would expect for a game designed for 7-12 years olds, is about Moose. The object of the game is to get your four moose to their home.

However, more in-depth information about the game is hard to find.

The game was created by Transogram — and based on the fonts and colors it is from the 50s or 60s (The company went out of business in the late 60s.). The version I have may have been sold through a different company since the word Transogram is not present in the upper right corner as it is in other versions.

Description
Game box and board is about 7 x 5 inches and the game is made of hardened plastic. It was definitely designed with durability in mind. The game consists of four sets of different colored moose, a playing board with plastic cover and two dice. My game is nearly complete, missing only a red and a yellow moose. Game instructions are written on the back of the box. It is made in Hong Kong.

Value
I am unsure of its values since the only price I have found is for one listed on eBay for $15. It is such a specialized game, I doubt many collect it.

Transogram
Take a look at this link about Transogram, to learn more about the company or to view photos of their popular board games based on TV shows.