Flea game – wooden box and tokens (circa 1900)

Antique flea game from around 1900 – a game of skill with a wooden box and game pieces

This antique flea game from around 1900 is a charming example of historical gaming culture. The traditional game of skill, also known as flea hopping, the flicking game or Tiddlywinks, delights with its simple rules and its distinctive nostalgic charm. The combination of a turned wooden box and small game discs makes this set an interesting collector’s item for lovers of historical parlour games.

The gameplay is as simple as it is entertaining: using a larger disc, smaller, coloured playing pieces – known as ‘fleas’ – are made to jump by applying precise pressure. The aim is to skilfully guide your own fleas into a tin or bowl. This requires a delicate touch, precision and a little practice.

Particularly charming is the turned wooden tin, which lends the game its unmistakable historical character. It serves to store the game chips and can also be used as the target container. The simple, functional design is reminiscent of a time when board games were often made from natural materials and were used for generations.

The game of Tiddlywinks enjoyed great popularity, particularly towards the end of the 19th century. Known by its English name, it became a favourite parlour game and found its place in numerous families and game collections. Historic versions with wooden boxes are now charming testaments to this gaming tradition.

This Tiddlywinks set, complete with a wooden box and game discs, is not only a decorative collector’s item but also a fine example of the gaming culture of the period around 1900. The age-related patina emphasises its historical character and makes the set a special addition to any collection of antique games and curiosities.

Product details

• Name: Antique flea game
• Alternative names: Flea-jumping, flicking game, Tiddlywinks
• Product type: Historical game of skill / parlour game
• Date: Circa 1900
• Material of the tin: Wood, turned
• Game pieces: Small game discs
• Material of the discs: Bone
• Gameplay: Skillfully flicking small game tokens using a larger token
• Objective: To guide the game pieces into a box or bowl
• Contents: Wooden box with game chips
• Special features: Historical design with a turned wooden box
• Collectors’ category: Antique games, historical board games and toys

About the flea game

The flea game is one of the classic games of skill from the 19th century. It became particularly well known under the English name ‘Tiddlywinks’, which became widespread towards the end of the 19th century. The game requires very few items and combines simple rules with a surprisingly high degree of skill.

Historical Tiddlywinks sets were produced in various designs. Alongside simple sets, there were decorative versions featuring turned wooden boxes and game discs made from various materials. Today, such games are fascinating insights into the everyday and leisure culture of past generations and are highly sought-after items amongst collectors of historical games.