Finding a vintage board game with its original box is one thing. Finding one with every card, token, pawn, instruction sheet, and other component still inside can be considerably more difficult. Before buying or selling a vintage game, here are some tips to help determine whether everything that originally came with it is still there.
START WITH THE INSTRUCTIONS
The original instructions are often the best place to begin. Many include a list of the game’s contents or indicate how many cards, playing pieces, tokens, or other components are required. Read through the instructions even when there isn’t a formal parts list, as the gameplay itself may reveal pieces that should be present.
EXAMINE THE BOX AND INSERTS
The packaging can provide additional clues. Box illustrations, photographs, and diagrams sometimes show the game’s contents, while cardboard or moulded plastic inserts may reveal spaces intended for particular pieces. Keep in mind that packaging artwork isn’t always an exact representation of what was included, so use it as a clue rather than definitive proof.
FIND A REFERENCE
When the instructions and packaging don’t provide an answer, look for another example of the game. Vintage toy catalogues, advertisements, collector references, and photographs of verified complete examples can help identify missing components. Be sure you’re researching the same edition, since a game’s contents can change between releases.
COUNT EVERYTHING
Don’t assume a game is complete simply because the box looks full. Count cards, money, tiles, tokens, pegs, and other components individually and compare the totals with whatever documentation you can find. A missing card or token can be surprisingly difficult to notice among dozens of otherwise identical pieces.
BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR REPLACEMENT PIECES
A game can contain the correct number of pieces without containing all of its original pieces. Dice, pawns, marbles, chips, timers, and other generic components are easily borrowed from other games. Compare colours, materials, dimensions, and manufacturing details when originality matters to you.