MOORE and BURGESS MINSTRELS [World famed
The cribbage board is beautifully painted on the front (or top side) with a classic black background, yellow/beige scoring holes outlined in red; distinctive game holes display as eye-like motifs at the top and bottom – perhaps evoking a whimsical or theatrical feel.
The back features fantastically carved, highly stylized lettering: “MOORE AND BURGESS MINSTRELS” (with “AND” in smaller text between the names). The letters are ornate, uppercase, and feature prominent decorative elements – especially the large, looped, ribbon-like or bow-shaped serifs like M, O, R, E, B, G, and S. These have a theatrical, almost circus-poster flair, with rounded embellishments and central circular details (possibly suggesting buttons or medallions). This style draws from Victorian display typography popular in the 1870s–1890s for theater posters, billheads, and promotional items. It’s reminiscent of “Tuscan” or “fancy wood type” fonts (e.g., styles with split serifs, spurs, or ornamental extensions), often used in British music hall and minstrel advertising to grab attention. The carving is hand-done (not machine-engraved), adding to its folk-art or personalized character – likely done by a skilled woodworker or perhaps a troupe member/fan.
Dating: The Moore and Burgess Minstrels (led by George “Pony” Moore and Frederick Burgess) formed in the early 1870s, evolving from earlier Christy Minstrels groups in London. They were hugely popular at St. James’s Hall, Piccadilly, performing continuously from around 1865/1870s until about 1900–1904 (with the hall closing in 1905). This board fits squarely in their peak period: likely 1870s–1890s, when such personalized or promotional items were common.
No exact matches turned up in our searches for identical boards, so this appears quite rare—possibly a one-off or small-batch item associated with the troupe (e.g., a gift, souvenir, or personal belonging).
Cribbage was an extremely popular pastime in Victorian Britain, especially among men in groups like performers, sailors, or club members. Minstrel troupes toured extensively, spent long hours backstage or in lodgings, and often played cards/games to pass the time, build camaraderie, or unwind after shows. A custom-carved board like this could easily have been used by troupe members during downtime between performances – perhaps even as a prop or memento from their long residency. The “fun without vulgarity” motto they advertised aligns with wholesome leisure activities like cribbage.
Item Date: Probably 1870s to 1890s
Measurement: 1" x 11.5" x 6"
Material: Walnut and polychrome
Item Condition: Very good
Price: $1,900
SKU 1490-57
For More Information, Please Contact David Hillier at 978-597-8084 or email drh@aaawt.com.
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