Lotto game, consisting of 12 boards and 178 cards, each card has a word written in French and English which corresponds with a picture on one of the picture boards, 'Picture Loto', made by John Jaques & Son Ltd., England, late 19th century.

Lotto game consisting of a number of cards and boards, plus original packaging.

178 green game cards with glossy pink backs. Each has a different word printed in black in both English and French. Two of the cards have been handmade and have the word handwritten on them in ink. These have the same pink backing as the printed cards.

12 picture boards each with a 5 x 3 grid of 15 colour images. The images depict various objects and animals, and they all relate to a word on the game cards. Each board has a different set of images. The boards all have glossy pink backs.

The box lid is designed to slide onto the box base, one side has a lipped edge so that it can be easily pulled out. The design on the top of the lid is green with a yellow border. In the centre, the name of the game has been printed.

Wooden box base with two dividers at each end on which the game boards are placed, keeping them lifted off the bottom of the box so that the game cards can be stored underneath. The dividers have been stuck into the box with glue. A groove has been cut into the top of three sides of the box where the lid can slide in. All sides of the box have been varnished.

The idea of a 'lottery' has been around since the 1st century B.C. when it was used as a way to raise funds in a country or community. By the 16th century, this idea had developed into a game, and was most prevalent in Italy. Although still predominantly played as a form of gambling, people started playing variations of lotto at home with specially customised boards with numbers or symbols on.

In Victorian England the lotto format began being used as an educational toy for children, much like the example here. This game was used to improve a children's knowledge of the French language, but could also be used as an introduction to English for younger children as the words on the cards correspond with a picture on one of the boards.

Jaques & Son have been making toys since 1795. The company was started by Thomas Jaques and then passed down to his son, John and in turn his son John II. During the 19th century, Jaques & Son were one of the most prominent manufacturers of board and card games.

B.626:1 to 4-2010