Antique 1904 Gavitt's Stock Exchange Card Game G-S-E with Original Box - Precursor to Pit

A genuine piece of American game history — this is an original Gavitt's Stock Exchange card game (G-S-E), copyright 1904 by Harry E. Gavitt and published by W.W. Gavitt Printing and Publishing Co., Topeka, Kansas. Patented March 22, 1904 and December 8, 1903, this is one of the earliest burlesque stock market card games ever produced — and a direct precursor to the beloved Pit card game that followed.

The box front proclaims it "The Greatest of All Games" and asks: "Can You Corner the Burlesque Stock Market Without the Fatal Telegram?" The reverse describes the game's unique mechanic: the "Fatal Telegram" card — depicted with a dramatic jester or town crier figure — which "Affects the Stock Market, Causes Great Excitement and Fun, Causes the Ups and Downs of the Aspiring Stock Brokers, Causes Corners and Panicky Flurries from beginning to end." All play at once, making this a raucous and fast-paced game for a large or small company of friends.

The third photo shows the complete deck of cards fanned out beside the original box — the cards are present and the deck appears complete. The typography and graphic design of both box and cards are magnificent examples of early 20th century American commercial printing.

• Antique Gavitt's Stock Exchange card game (G-S-E)
• Copyright 1904, Harry E. Gavitt; patented 1903–1904
• Published by W.W. Gavitt Printing and Publishing Co., Topeka, Kansas
• Original box with original card deck
• Includes the "Fatal Telegram" card with jester figure
• Direct precursor to the Pit card game
• Magnificent early 20th century American commercial printing and typography
• Antique condition — box shows age wear and splitting at corners; cards appear complete and intact with age-appropriate toning

An exceptional find for collectors of antique games, Americana, financial history ephemera, or early 20th century printing and graphic design. Gavitt's Stock Exchange in this condition with original box and complete deck is genuinely rare. One of a kind.