Monopoly

A complete game-set, handmade by Charles E. Todd in Germantown, Pennsylvania, in 1932, containing more than 200 pieces including the manuscript playing-cloth, pen-and-ink and gouache on pale blue-coated cloth (22 x 22 in.) and the playing-cards and -pieces (typescript deeds, typescript draw-cards, hotels and houses, bank-notes, chips, and dice); without written rules, as made. Framed and displayed in a lucite case.

Charles E, Todd, maker; sold to — Ralph Anspach, Monopoly historian (sold at Sotheby's New York, 1 November 1993, Lot 164)

In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The Monopoly game-set from which Charles Darrow first learned the game in Philadelphia, about February or March 1933.

Although Charles Darrow was once supposed to have invented the game of Monopoly—a supposition he encouraged—it is now understood that he learned the game from Charles Todd and other friends in the Philadelphia area. The version of the game played by Todd originated with one Ruth Hoskins, who first applied Atlantic City place-names to the game-board.

The present game-set introduced a famous—and enduring—error to Monopoly. The game-set that Todd was copying spelled the place-name of "Marven Gardens" correctly, but Todd mis-copied it as "Marvin Gardens." Charles Darrow copied Todd's spelling, Parker Bros. copied Darrow, and the name has been "Marvin Gardens" ever since—except in Atlantic City, where the tract between Margate and Ventnor Streets remains Marven Gardens.

This is undoubtedly one of the most important Monopoly game-sets in existence, as it is the set Darrow learned from and copied and, therefore, the one from which all subsequent Monopoly boards descend.