The Soldier's Snapsack: Games

Soldiers would relax with a variety of games.  Note that the 17th century playing cards do not have numbers (in case the man was illiterate).  There are two wooden dice and one made out of lead.  The latter was made from a flattened musket ball.  To be caught with such a lead dice was a flogging offence!  Also shown is a 'Jew's' or 'Jaw's' Harp.  This was a simple musical instrument placed in the mouth and 'twanged' to make a simple tune.


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