Hi. New member here. Keen birdwatcher and part time antique dealer. I have just come across a wonderful old 'Bird Card Game', produced by a company called J.M. & Co. Ltd. for the RSPB, in 1938. It has a linen board, sets of 13 beautifully produced playing cards with different bird images, sets of 'stop' and 'go' cards, four lovely metal motor car playing pieces, a die and shaker cup. The objective is to travel around the country by car, returning birds to their sanctuaries, dealing with the various hazards that birds face, along the way. The whole game is very much designed around the conservation principles of the RSPB.
All parts are in great condition and hardly used, if at all. The only problem is that I can't find any reference to the game at all, or the manufacturer, in any of the resources we normally use! Has anyone ever come across this or is there a record in an archive somewhere? Any thoughts appreciated! Thanks, Clive.
That sounds fantastic - I want one! If you're able to share any photos I'd love to see them
Hello Chris and welcome to the forum.
I wonder after seeing the posted photos, apart from the playing cards themselves, the green and red cards are almost Monopoly style cards from the 'Chance' and 'Community Chest' cards.
A long shot, and a very wild guess, I wonder if there are any connections to the big board game company, Waddingtons?
Whatever, as you say, they're in good condition.
Mike
Flickr: Peak Rambler
Yes, the cards would be used randomly in a similar way to the Monopoly cards. Broadly the same era, with Monopoly being launched in the 1930s. I can't be sure if there is any connection with Waddington's, though, as I just can't find any trace of this maker.