Exciting game commonly found in Taverns, Pool Halls, Cigar Stores, etc. Early 1940's (note the Buy U.S. War Bonds seal). One of the famous Spark-O games. It's a 3 ½ inch by 8 ½ inch paper that is specially treated like flash paper. You touch a lighted cigarette to the starting star, and off they go!! 6 individual traces burn, smolder and sputter their way zig zaging up the race course, leaving a distinct black trail behind them.

Sometimes they almost go out and rekindle to sputter a little farther. It takes 10 to 25 seconds for the first one to reach the finish line! If you look closely at the scan you will see the individual trails the horses will run. Fairly straight for the first 2 lengths, but the last 2 lengths it's anyone's race as they meander back and forth in their lane following the treated trace of paper. The patrons would take bets, with the looser buying the next round, or in the case of a single player the proprietor would give a free beer or cigar or game of pool if the customer predicted the correct winning horse!

Perfect Condition!