They say mimicry is the highest form of flattery so the makers of Scrabble must have been incredibly happy when Waddington's released this game under licence from Parker Brothers Inc. At first glance the similarity in box design, letter racks, letter tiles and game board immediately makes you think of Scrabble however on closer scrutiny there are enough slight differences to make this an original crossword game. Considering this item is over 60 years old it has remained in very good condition. The box is still strong and intact. The simple design remains colourful and effective. There is rubbing at the corners and along the edges, some slight creasing and surface damage to the sides caused by adhesive tape but this doesn't spoil the look of the box. Inside, the cardboard storage tray is in perfect condition, as is the full compliment of letter cards, coloured wooden letter racks and the black plastic letter tiles. The paper instruction pamphlet has been constantly folded of the decades resulting in two small tears along the fold line. The game board is clean and strong however along the fold the paper playing surface splitting. All in all it's a very good example of this game. An ideal item for a vintage games collector, a word game/crossword enthusiast, as an alternative addition to a Scrabble collection or as a fun educational aid in improving spelling and word power.

Date: c.1953
Maker: John Waddington Ltd
Made in England

Dimensions: 40cm x 21cm x 3cm