Made during the WW1 era sometime between 1914 and 1918, the “Sky Pirates” game was made by R. Farmer & Sons (often shortened to “R. F. & S.”). Similar to over maze dexterity games of the same style and era, the idea is to guide a small metal ball through a made, avoiding holes to reach the end which in this case is an unnamed airship.

This one with a wooden frame, dates it to earlier in the war, closer to 1914 than 1918. The less common paper covered compressed card versions are from closer to 1918. These games are considered propaganda, to instil a sense of pushing forward towards victory.

This one here, as stated, has the original wooden frame. The glass has no chips, cracks or damage. The actual game itself is in excellent condition, with none of the game lifting over the years. The back, has seen a little wear. All the text is still readable but there are some scuffs. All corners of the frame are in good condition, and even the original lacquer is still there. Even the corners are in good condition – there are areas that usually display significant wear or damage.

On the back is a maker mark, R. F. & S. (see first paragraph) and on the front, “British Manufacture” is printed in the bottom left corner.