Lot 107: Autobridge Solitaire Bridge Training Playing Board
A vintage Autobridge solitaire bridge training board, manufactured in the USA. This mechanical device is constructed from pressed fibreboard with a printed paper surface and metal components. The board features several rows of sliding metal shutters designed to reveal card values and bidding sequences for North, South, East, and West hands. Two rotating metal pointers are situated over numbered semi-circular scales at the centre. The central title reads AUTOBRIDGE PLAYING BOARD above a red-bordered box labelled DEALER EAST Neither Side Vulnerable. The bottom left edge is marked BRITISH LETTERS PATENT No. 453,495, the bottom centre is marked MADE IN U. S. of A., and the bottom right is marked FOREIGN PATENTS PENDING. A paper deal sheet is pre-loaded into the internal slot, visible through the various apertures.
Condition report:
The item shows signs of significant age and use. The metal sliding shutters exhibit widespread surface oxidation and pitting. The fibreboard base shows edge wear, minor scuffing, and faint circular staining to the left side. Printed text and graphics remain clear and legible. A modern adhesive price tag and a small white label are present in the upper right corner. The board appears to be complete with all sliders and pointers intact; however, the mechanical action has not been tested for smoothness. No original box is included.
Share this lot: