Like the Great American Baseball Game there are a number of different versions of this game out there. The original was put out by Frantz in the early 20's. A few years later Hustler Toys took over production and simply took the Franz version as is and pasted a "Hustler" sticker over the "Fantz" logo on the spinner (the billboard in left field still bears the Frantz advertisement). Version 3 was reprinted by Hustler and all references to Frantz are removed from the board. The final version was put out a few years ago by Shylling Toys. There are no references to Frantz or Hustler in the last version. The game features very nice period artwork.
The game is in VERY GOOD condition. The surface is in nice shape for a game of this age. No major scratches. No dents. No rust. Just a light film that dulls the finish. The wooden frame is intact with no chips or cracks and retains it's original stain. There is supposed to be a yellow football marker that acts as the line of scrimmage indicator on the bar running across the top of the field but this is missing. The plain metal knob that the football marker attached to is still intact and this can serve as the line of scrimmage indicator.
The spinner mechanism works fine but the cylinder tends to shift over time causing it to disengage from the gear that causes it to spin. When this occurs you need to stick your hand underneath and slide the cylinder over to the side with the gear on it. The previous owner crosssed out some of the play results on the cylinder and wrote in his own. This was done in pencil so it can probably be erased. The original results are still visible underneath the cross-out results. There were also a few notations made on the instructions panel on the underside of the game.
Overall this is a nice example of a very collectible pre-war tin game. I would grade the game 6-7 on a 10 scale (see condition guide below). .
CONDITION GUIDE:
MINT
(10): I will only give this grade
to brand new, unused items. NEAR MINT (9):
Shows virtually no use. Seldom if ever played.
Perhaps some very light handling creases to the
instructions
or other minor flaws with the game parts. Boxes will have
only
the slightest hint of shelf wear. EXCELLENT (7-8):
The game has seen some use but it was obviously well taken care of.
Game parts
might have
some light handling creases or other signs of
careful use. Board might have just a hint of color loss or
dented
corners. Boxes will have light rubbing to the artwork or
perhaps
some minor dishing or a very light stain. VERY GOOD (5-6):
The game was not especially well cared for but it still has
faired pretty well. Game
parts will show obvious use but nothing will be torn, badly
stained or have any serious damage. Box may have
some
rubbing, light staining, dishing, 1 or 2 neatly split corners,
minor writing and/or a few pieces of tape. No major
structural
damage and artwork will still be generally attractive. GOOD (3-4):
Obviously no care was taken with the game but it is still playable as
is. Game parts show
considerable use but the game is complete with all parts in
usable
condition. Box may have staining, writing, split
corners,
dishing and/or other structural damage but it will be intact and still
usable. POOR
(1-2):
Only suitable to fill a space in your collection.
Game will be missing
parts (these will be noted). Box will have serious damage and
may
be missing aprons or badly torn.