A Novel Game, and Combination of Apparatus for use therein.
Year: 1897

page_text: Date of Application, 25th Oct., 1897--Accepted, 6th Nov., 1897
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
A Novel Game, and Combination of Apparatus for use therein.
I, FRANCIS HAYWARD PARROTT, of Aylesbury, in the County of Buckingham,
Solicitor, do hereby declare the nature of this invention and in what manner the
same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by
the following statement:
This invention relates to a novel game and combination of apparatus for use
therein, capable of being constructed and played either as an outdoor or indoor
game. The invention has for its object a recreative and instructive form of
amusement and exercise combined.
The game will be called "Diamond Dicum."
In order that my invention and the manner in which it is performed may be
clearly understood I will now proceed to describe it with the aid of the accom-
panying sheet of drawings in which:-Figure 1 is a perspective view of four
of the stumps with the playing blocks lodged thereon erected in position ready
for play; Figure 2 illustrates how the bottom of the stumps may be provided with
a base for play on smooth hard surfaces; and Figure 3 illustrates one form of
missile to be thrown or bowled at the stumps.
The articles constituting the set of apparatus required for playing this game
are as follows:-
1. Twelve or any number of cubical blocks a are marked on their respective
six faces with the numbers 1, 2, 3, 4; 5, and 6 or any other numbers, which may
be represented by spots such as b, picks such as b¹, numerals or characters or by
any other convenient sign or signs, which may be either branded, painted, printed,
cut or otherwise produced upon the said surfaces.
2. Six
blocks c with the
or any other number of similar cubical
numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6, or any other numbers marked on the respective faces
of the said cubes which numbers may also be represented by spots c¹ picks 9 or
numerals or any other convenient signs, painted or produced by any suitable
means in like manner to the blocks described in the preceding paragraph hereto.
These blocks are to be rendered readily distinguishable from the blocks mentioned
in paragraph 1, either by colour or some other suitable means.
Eighteen or any other number of sticks d, d' (hereinafter called the stumps)
are employed according to the total number of blocks used, and either pointed or
provided with a broad base at one end thereof to adapt them to stick into or
stand upright upon the ground, and having their other end or top grooved or
otherwise suitably formed to permit of one of the blocks being lodged thereon
preferably in an angular position.
The stumps d for the set of blocks mentioned in paragraph 1 may vary in
height, colour or in other respect, so that they can be readily distinguished from
the stumps used in conjunction with the blocks described in paragraph 2 thereof.
Eight or any other convenient number of balls e or sticks for bowling or throw-
ing at the above-mentioned stumps pre-arranged with the cubes lodged thereon.
A canvas, net, or other screen, supported by poles or some other convenient

page_text: means, is erected at the back of the stumps with the blocks on, for the purpose
of stopping the sticks or balls thrown or bowled at the aforesaid stumps.
The mode of playing this game is as follows:-The stumps d, d¹ may be
arranged or distributed upon the field at any distance and in any relative position
that may be agreed upon and the two sets of blocks a and c lodged thereon, the
screen being erected behind them if thought necessary. The players are to
throw the sticks or bowl the balls e at the stumps with the object of knocking
off the cubes or blocks a mentioned in paragraph I but to avoid those c mentioned
in paragraph 2, or vice versa. Should the players succeed in knocking off any
of the right class of blocks they score the number presented on the top face of
the block as it rests after falling, but, on the other hand, should any of the other
class of blocks be knocked off the number appearing on the top face shall score
against them, either by scoring to the other side or by being deducted from the
player's own score. The blocks c mentioned in paragraph 2 may however be
dispensed with entirely, in which case there will be no adverse scoring.
The set of apparatus as constructed for indoor play or on the deck of a vessel
would consist of similar articles as aforesaid but preferably on a reduced scale;
the balls aimed at the stumps may for instance, be propelled by a cue or a spring-
bat or other motor of comparatively feeble force and more adapted to the limited
range, and the stumps may be provided with flanges or broad bases, instead of
points to enable them to stand upright upon smooth hard surfaces.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is:-
1. The combination jointly and collectively of apparatus for playing the game
("Diamond Dicum") constructed and co-operating substantially as herein
described and set forth.
2. The pieces severally and jointly, constituting the set of apparatus for this
game constructed substantially as herein described and set forth.
D
PHILLIPS & IEIGH,
No. 22 Southampton Buildings, Chancery Lane, London, W.C.,
Agents for the Applicant.