Preliminary identification
Photo reference
1 uploaded photo
Overview
A classic mid-century word-building dice game featuring a distinctive red and white hourglass graphic box. This set includes the original textured black shaker, a red plastic sand timer, and the signature lettered cubes housed in a vibrant turquoise plastic insert.
Story
Lakeside Toys launched this fast-paced word game in the 1950s, but this 1960s edition captures the era's bold graphic design perfectly. It was a staple of family game nights, challenging players to build words against a relentless sand timer.
Maker / Origin
Lakeside Toys was a powerhouse of 1960s play, most famous for inventing the iconic Gumby and Pokey bendable figures. Based in Minneapolis, they excelled at creating tactile, high-quality plastic toys and games that defined the suburban American childhood experience.
Condition & Value
The box shows minor edge wear but retains excellent color saturation. The interior plastic insert appears remarkably clean without the typical cracks or yellowing. A complete set with all dice significantly maintains the value. Value is driven by the completeness of the set and the condition of the box.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Build on this identification
Layer in sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance.
Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.