I've always got an eye peeled for beautiful antique sets of spillikins, also known as spellicans, which were a predecessor to jack straws and pick up sticks, and which from what I understand originated in China but became very popular as a parlor game in Victorian England. I just think they are incredibly beautiful objects as well as very fun to play.
Made of bone, this is the first set I've ever seen that includes musical instruments: a trumpet, a harp, and a fantastic guitar! There is also a caduceus staff, a bow, a ladder, various swords and arrows and other weapons, a moon with face, and all sorts of other things! Most are marked on one side with hand-written point values.
A proper hook is missing, but I've found any of the pieces ending in an arrow or hook type shape works well for lifting others, or a hook could easily be made with a piece of wire. To play, one drops--spills--the spillikins onto the table, then players alternately use the hook tool to try to lift and extract pieces without disturbing any others, continuing until failing. Once an "attack" has begun to extract one piece, a player may not shift their attempt to a different piece on that turn. The player with the most points at the end wins, though just playing as a solitaire endeavor is pretty consuming too!
They come in what I would guess is their original slide top box, which is is missing one short end but otherwise in tact. There are a few broken bits here and there (rungs on the ladder, etc) but overall they are very good condition.
Box measures 5 3/16" l x 1 13/16" wide x 1 1/8" t; pieces measure about 4 3/4" long. First photo includes all pieces-- a total of 41.
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