THURS. - Carnival game. Grand bal et paré masqué. Paris, Mal - Lot 32

THURS. - Carnival game. Grand bal et paré masqué. Paris, Mallez, s.d. [circa 1825]. Cardboard box (17.5 x 23.5 x 3 cm), lithographed color illustration and title on lid, gilded and embossed frame; the box contains a three-panel fold-out backdrop on strong cardboard (interior with a bench under a large central mirror, orchestra and characters) 8 characters (3 women and 5 men) mounted on turned wooden pedestals, 20 costumes, 8 headdresses and 30 purple bone tokens. Charming Restoration-era costume set, dedicated to the children of the Duchesse de Berry: Mademoiselle d'Artois, born in 1819, and the Duc de Bordeaux, born in 1820. Game rules glued to the back of the cover: This game consists of 24 costumes and 12 small figures, each with a name. Players take turns to dress them up, making sure they're out of sight; then they're taken to the ball. The other players must name them; if they make a mistake, they'll be given a token or a pledge according to convention. Missing 4 characters and 4 costumes. Very rare, high-quality game.