This Australian-made board game takes players through the ups and downs of a typical Edwardian courtship – from ‘Introduction’ to ‘Happy Wedding’ – modelled on the traditional ‘Snakes & Ladders’ concept. Using a basic race game layout, with 60 numbered spaces running in a circular route, this simple ‘roll-and-move’ game is colourfully illustrated with delightful vignettes showing courting couples in period dress engaged in various social activities and courtship rituals.

Designed for 2 to four players, the game highlights romantic milestones and pitfalls on the road to wedded bliss – punishing or rewarding good and bad traits – all determined by the toss of a dice. Progress along the green and blue playing spaces is marked by six pivotal courtship moments portrayed in colourful graphics showing a romantic pic-nic, exciting motor car ride and a trip to the seaside as well as a rowdy night with the boys and the ordeal of meeting the prospective parents. Flirtation and deceit, lack of funds, offending prospective in-laws and broken promises send players back to bachelorhood, while good manners and a willingness to meet social obligations ensures swift progress toward the altar.

The National Game Company is believed to have been the first large scale manufacturer of board games in Australia. Established by W. Owen in Ballarat, Victoria, at the beginning of the twentieth century, the original watercolour graphic for this game board was registered for copyright on 9 May 1909. It was designed by Christopher George King, a talented illustrator and artist who worked for the National Games Company for over 30 years.