Lot 82
An early 19th century mahogany cased musical game By Ann Young
Auction: 25 June 2008 at 12:00 BST
Description
the crossbanded case embellished with chequer and chevron bandings enclosing a two-part playing board overlaid with paper printed with staves, keyboards, key signatures etc., pierced with numerous diagonally set holes, the base with central lidded partition containing space for dice shakers and printed patent label with Royal cypher, the sides with two small drawers
Dimensions
44cm wide, 10.2cm high, 27.3cm deep
Footnote
Note: Ann Young, of St James Square, Edinburgh, was awarded the patent for this games box in 1801. It was the first British patent awarded to an educational game designed for 'amusement and instruction.' It contained six games which were designed, not only to be 'amusing and interesting' but also the teach 'the fundamental principles of the science of music'.
There is a similar example in the National Museum of Ireland.
For further information on Ann Young and the patent, see: 'Inventing Music Education Games' by David Ghere and Fred MB Amran, Cambridge University Press, 2007.