Objects Record
Images
Metadata
Catalog Number |
1952X.00.195.29 |
Object Name |
Game, Table |
Title |
Table Game, Dr. William Cowen, circa 1885 |
Date |
circa 1885 |
Year Range from |
1879 |
Year Range to |
1890 |
Description |
A set of pieces for the table top game of Fort, patented in 1879 by Dr. William B. Cowen. The set is made of 12 wooden standing pieces and 12 various-coloured clay balls. There are two standing pieces with spiraled grooves that are taller than the rest, indicating them as the King and Queen. The standing pieces with pointed tops are the Bishops and the rounded top pieces are the guards. |
Notes |
Historic Context: The Game of Fort Created by Dr. William B. Cowen, the game of Fort was considered one of the most popular tabletop games in the 20th century. The game was patented on 27 November 1879 by Dr. Cowen in Guelph. It is believed that the objective was to act as the invading army and capture your opponent's fort through firing 'canon balls' at the King and Queen. Mass produced versions of this, seen through Eaton's 1918 Catalogue, shows the Flag of Canada (1868-1921) on the King game piece, indicating this objective. Intended for parlor room entertainment use, all game pieces were carried in a wooden game case. The game is constructed of three wooden curved frames that connect through a horizontal wood rail with six vertical shafts. There are 12 balls, and 12 game pieces required to play. Each game piece corresponds to various points earned when knocked over by a ball. Each ball is struck with a game cue that is used similarly to a billiards cue. The King piece, the tallest out of the 12, is equal to 20 points. The Queen, the second tallest out of the 12, is equal to 15. The bishops earn the scorer 10 points and the Guards, 5 points each. Updated 2025 |
Artist |
Cowan, Dr. |
Subjects |
TOYS/GAMES |
Dimensions |
H-10 cm |
Dimension Details |
King Piece (tallest) - Height: 10cm / Circ: 6cm Guards Piece (shortest) - Height: 5cm / Circ: 5cm Largest ball - Circ: 9cm Smallest ball - Circ: 7cm |
Collection |
Artifacts |