Preliminary identification
Photo reference
1 uploaded photo
Overview
This is a classic mid-century edition of 'Clue: The Great Detective Game,' featuring the iconic turquoise box lid with a yellow scroll illustrating the suspicious characters. It includes the original textured black game board and the distinctively styled cover art that defined the game for a generation of amateur sleuths.
Story
Invented in a British bomb shelter during the WWII Blitz by Anthony Pratt, this game of murder mystery was originally called 'Cluedo.' Parker Brothers bought the US rights, shortened the name, and launched a cultural phenomenon.
Maker / Origin
Founded in 1883 by George S. Parker, Parker Brothers revolutionized the toy industry by focusing on games that required strategy and social interaction rather than just moral instruction. Based in Salem, Massachusetts, the company became a household name by publishing mega-hits like Monopoly, Risk, and Clue, shaping the leisure time of millions of families throughout the 20th century.
Condition & Value
The box lid shows some minor scuffing, edge wear, and light staining consistent with age and use, but the graphics remain bright and the corners appear intact. The game board's textured exterior shows minimal wear.
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.