Vintage 1920 “Cootie Game – Capture the Cooties” • Irvin-Smith Co.

Rare early 20th-century dexterity game!
This original 1920 Irvin-Smith Company “Cootie Game – Capture the Cooties” features a tin-framed box with charming WWI-era lithograph artwork, a metal mesh “pen,” and small capsule-style “cootie” pieces inside. These games were marketed as “Good for Your Nerves” and advertised as a fascinating new European-style pastime.

A wonderful display piece for collectors of antique toys, lithograph games, WWI ephemera, or early American patent-marked novelties.

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✨ Item Details
• Title: Cootie Game – Capture the Cooties
• Manufacturer: Irvin-Smith Company, Inc., Chicago
• Patent dates: 1920 U.S. & Canadian patent listings (see back panel)
• Material: Tin frame with paper litho interior
• Size: Approx. 6.5” tall × 5” wide × 1” deep (see ruler in photos)
• Features:
• Original metal mesh “cootie pen”
• Illustrated battlefield-style background
• Several original red “cootie” capsules included
• Era: 1920s
• Origin: USA

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⭐ Condition

Good antique condition with expected age-related wear.
• Tin frame shows minor corner bending and surface wear.
• Back label has small marks and scuffs (shown clearly).
• Interior lithograph shows light age toning.
• Includes several original capsule pieces.
Overall, it displays beautifully with authentic early 20th-century character.