No better accolade than from Stanley Matthews himself who stated "It's the best table football game I have seen. It surprises me that it reproduces so many of the actual features of the real game." Manufactured in the mid 1950's this game and packaging reflects post war rationing and austerity. The outer packaging is simply folded corrigated cardboard that is taped together. For it's age and construction it has lasted in very good shape with some surface marks and browning. The coloured label depicting footballers in full action is pasted on to the box. Still vibrantly coloured it has some foxing and a single scratch mark. The pitch, housed in a wooden frame, is a thin wooden board painted green upon which standard football pitch markings have been stencilled. Each corner has a white, soft plastic housing into which the metal legs are secured. The pitch is in perfect condition. Within a slender cardboard box is the game pieces and a typed note informing on how best to maintain and use the pieces is glued to the inside of the lid. The box contains the four metal support legs, two goals, two footballs, the two teams, two magnetic gaming rods and paperwork. The goals are surprisingly intact considering they are formed of a soft, white plastic. The footballs are possibly ceramic and painted. The two gaming rods (one blue and one red) are made of a hard plastic with a single magnet at the end of each. The game came in four different models. This particular one is the Minor model which was designed for two players so each team consists of three a side (two outfield players and a goalkeeper). The players are made of soft, white plastic that has been hand painted. Each base is made from rigid plastic into which a small magnet is inserted. All the players remain intact however the paint is beginning to rub off due to decades of use. All the accompanying paperwork has minor foxing. There is a leaflet on how to assemble the game, a leaflet on how to play the game with the endorsement from Stanley Matthews on the reverse. Also included is the retail price list dating from April 1955. Interestingly the printed prices have been crossed out by someone at the factory and new prices written on. Overall a great item in fantastic condition. Ideal for a collector of vintage games especially soccer games, for a fan of Stanley Matthews or simply a bit of fun for any football fan. 

Date: c.1955
Maker: Toogood & Jones Ltd
Made in England

Dimensions (Box): 49cm x 49cm x 4cm
                 (Pitch): 48.5cm x 41cm x 1.5cm