A small circular puzzle, an advertising piece for Thierry Ainé & Sigrand , a men's and children's clothing store located in Nice (1 rue d'Italie and 37 avenue de la Gare). The main face features a caricature whose expression changes depending on the position of the marbles placed in the eye sockets to form the eyes. The puzzle also involved placing two additional marbles in the mouth area to complete the character's smile. These small puzzles were frequently used as promotional items by retailers in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
✦ Period: Early 20th century ✦ Dimensions: approx. 4.5 cm ✦ Condition: broken glass, two marbles present in the eyes, missing marbles from the mouth, signs of use and wear on the metal rim.
An old advertising curiosity illustrating the use of small skill games as promotional items in Belle Époque shops.
