Description:

Mark Twain
[Hartford, CT], ca. 1891
Mark Twain's Memory-Builder Unused Game Board
Other

First edition, unused game board for Mark Twain's Memory-Builder. Copyright by S. L. Clemens, 1891. Board measures 9.25" x 13.5" x .25", originally patented on August 18, 1885. Recto features a grid with each box representing a number 1-100, with rows of 5, 6, and 9 circles meant to be pinned with game pegs (not included). Rule sheet affixed on verso, signed in print at lower right as "Mark Twain/ Hartford, February, 1891." Exhibits light edge wear with darkened age toning to sheets on either side. Minor paper loss to upper right corner of rule sheet. Otherwise, very good. Together with 3 xerox pages from "Facts for Mark Twain's Memory Builder".

Inspired by his longtime friend Thomas Edison, Twain nurtured aspirations as an inventor and secured patents on a diverse range of products, including a self-pasting scrapbook, a perpetual calendar, a notebook with tear-away tabs, a self-adjusting garter, and this game. Only the scrapbook would turn a profit, bringing him approximately $50,000. Twain's other patented items, including the offered Memory Builder, would prove to be commercial failures. Indeed, the lack of pin holes to the recto suggests that this example was never used.

The game is played first by picking a century. Then, the players rely on their memories to recall various accessions, battles, and other minor events of the period. For example, if the chosen period was the 18th century, one would stick a pin in slot 76 and say "Declaration of Independence, 1776". Points would be tallied at the end based on how many events and dates one could name.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Dimensions: 9.25" x 13.5" x .25"
  • Medium: Other

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June 4, 2025 10:00 AM EDT
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$50,000 + $5,000