Sphinx Game - Rare advertising game from Le Bon Marché, circa 1910

A curious logic game entitled "The Sphinx Game," published as an advertising game for the Au Bon Marché department store (Maison A. Boucicaut), Paris . This parlor game is based on a mathematical principle that allows players to guess a number they have thought of.

The set consists of 8 cardboard cards with cut-out windows , numbered from I to VIII. Each card displays a series of numbers visible through openings. The player thinks of a number between 1 and 100 and then indicates, for each card, whether their number appears in the list. The corresponding cards then allow them to reconstruct the chosen number exactly .

The process relies on a mathematical system similar to binary coding , very popular in mental arithmetic games and scientific entertainment of the early 20th century. The game gave the illusion of mind reading , making it an amusing form of entertainment in living rooms and family gatherings.

✦ Publisher: Au Bon Marché - Maison A. Boucicaut, Paris
✦ Period: circa 1910
✦ Dimensions: approx. 15 × 11cm
✦ Contents: 8 numbered cardboard cards I to VIII
✦ Condition: complete – good overall condition – small tear at the edge of one card – paper slightly yellowed with signs of wear

An uncommon vintage advertising game, interesting for collectors of mathematical games, patience games and advertising items from Parisian department stores .