Rare American “Pocket-Coat” Advertising Dice Dexterity Puzzle 1898-1906
$ 52.8
Description
Rare American “Pocket-Coat” Advertising Dice Dexterity Puzzle 1898-1906. United States, circa 1898–1906. Paper ground retains excellent cream tone with only slight even ageing; red printing bold and largely unfaded. Rim exhibits typical oxidation and plating wear consistent with pocket use over a century. Rare American “Pocket-Coat” Advertising Dice Dexterity Puzzle United States, circa 1898–1906 Description A strikingly bold and exceedingly rare American pocket dexterity puzzle issued as a promotional premium for the Pocket-Coat clothing brand. Five tiny white metal dice must be skilfully rolled into five shallow recesses arranged in a pentagonal pattern around a dramatic red-and-cream field. The design features a large central red disc displaying four black dice pips (symbolising the number 4), encircled by bold red arrowhead rays and the prominent advertising legend “POCKET-COAT / DICE IN METAL / WITH BOX”. The use of actual miniature dice rather than steel balls is almost unknown in American series, making this one of the most unusual and desirable dexterity puzzles of the pre-World War I era. Markings Front: “POCKET-COAT / DICE IN METAL / WITH BOX” in red capital letters around perimeter; central red circle with four black pips Reverse: plain black-painted card backing with heavy wear, paint losses, and old adhesive residue; no additional markings Materials • Chromolithographed heavy paper disc under flat glass. Letterpress printed. Hand stamped pip pieces • Five miniature white metal dice with black painted pips (each approx. 3 mm) • Flat glass cover • Nickel-plated brass rim with rope-twist border (now heavily patinated to dark gun-metal) • Black-painted thin card backing crimped beneath rim Dimensions Diameter: 50 mm (1 15/16 inches) Thickness: approximately 7 mm Condition Glass intact with light surface scratches and minor internal dust; no cracks or chips. Paper ground retains excellent cream tone with only slight even ageing; red printing bold and largely unfaded. All five original metal dice present, complete, and move freely. Rim exhibits typical oxidation and plating wear consistent with pocket use over a century. Reverse card shows significant paint loss and small edge chips, but front display remains exceptionally strong. A completely original and honest example with remarkable graphic impact. Historical Context & Significance American dexterity puzzles of the 1895–1910 period were produced in far smaller variety than their later French counterparts, and advertising issues are particularly uncommon. The use of genuine miniature dice instead of the ubiquitous steel balls is virtually unique in documented U.S. production. “Pocket-Coat” appears to have been a short-lived men’s tailored overcoat or raincoat brand, and this puzzle represents one of the earliest known American clothing premiums in the dexterity format. Fewer than five examples are recorded in collections, placing it among the rarest and most sought-after early 20th-century American pocket games (Grok claim).
