Product Description

Children's toys, like this one, were advertised for sale by Williamsburg merchants and milliners during the 18th century. One of the most popular toys in the Virginia colony was the birch bilbo catcher (ball and stick) from Bilbao, Spain. The goal is to swing the ball up into the cup perched atop the young gentleman's head. It's harder than it looks, and fun for kids and adults alike. This handsome version is hand-painted to imitate a fife and drum soldier. This challenging toy makes a great small gift or stocking stuffer. Recommended for ages 5 and older. 7 1/4" H.

Features

Red, white, blue
Colonial child's game
Hand-painted wood
Design features fife and drum soldier
7 ¼"H
Ages 5 & up

Inspiration

With the onset of war in 1775, Virginia began to train an army to defend against a British invasion. Fifers and Drummers were an important part of the 18th-century military. Just as Virginia enlisted soldiers and stockpiled arms and ammunition, it also trained fifers and drummers to work with soldiers in the field. In the 18th century, fifers and drummers tended to be boys ages 10 to 18. Today, in modern Williamsburg, members of the Fifes and Drums are boys and girls ages 10 to 18.