Bestoys Bobs Set

1968-c1982

The Bobs Set in Australia can be confidently traced back in Australia to 1914. It may go even further back. (See a concise history of the Bobs Set in Australia below.)
However, as far as Bestoys is concerned, the caption with the Bobs Set depicted in Bestoys catalogue of 1969 indicates that Bestoys had produced one before 1957.

Bobs Set from Bestoys 1969 catalogue

The Bestoys Bobs Set, reintroduced in 1969, was made of ⅜" Corinite particle board in a wide variety of woodgrain colours, and was arguably the "most sophisticated available". The faceboard and arms were cut from one piece of Corinite on a router jig using a straight bit. Cutting them from the same piece of material meant that there never any unmatched arms. These were hinged to the faceboard, which had the name and numbers silk-screened onto it. The set was supplied in a carton and came complete with a set of 7 wooden balls and a nylon-tipped wooden cue. The carton was printed with the rules of play.
It changed little over the time it was produced.

Bobs Set from Bestoys 1973 catalogue

Bobs Set from Bestoys 1978 catalogue

Rules

The rules of play printed on the Bobs Set carton:

A search of available resources reveals several variations of the rules for playing the game known as "Bobs" or "Table Bobs".

These were the Rules printed on the back of Riversdale's Bobs Set faceboard (with sincere thanks to Cheryl - http://blissintheburbs-kayly.blogspot.com/2014/03/the-games-of-bobs.htm)

Riversdale's Rules for the Playing of Bobs

These were the Rules as remembered by a member of the "Woodwork Forums" (With grateful thanks to Geoff - https://www.woodworkforums.com/archive/index.php/t-12039.html)

Bobs Rules

Bestoys Bobs Set Find on eBay

This is a rare find, indeed. It is a complete set and in its original carton - more than 45 years old! Found on eBay 17th March, 2023.

This example is made using Corinite's "Satinwood" woodgrain pattern.
With thanks to eBay and megs.eleven - https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/134484238149?hash=item1f4fe29f45:g:7j4AAOSwIuNkAoAK&amdata=enc%3AAQAHAAAAwIPOQg21bgB%2BcCx9yikbN1HwwwQVbSmPWiP9D6ctoyJSNLJi7GUeF9nBNLNBQadMWamLTWv6esgVfvBjFWeCoCfHEN0GtQZjsk1LaEfwz%2Bdh%2FlNOOTZ0s0Ej8Q%2Bhbz0PyC6QxgUiZdVpBY4pA%2FB7FvQRfTEJ445lD6aHZ16TSQuzoe1sA1fmqZ2kBjb1JP9NnpM1SDBEBneeQWzWucsDC1DggIoPL%2Fqz4GLlwUQ08TQqEpvak7h06M9xBHFTwMfJkg%3D%3D%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR5yxoY7eY

A Little Bit of History...

Bestoys, or even Nazzareno Bonaretti, did not invent the Bobs Set. It would have been found in Australian households long before his arrival in 1951.

1890

In the United States, Milton Bradley Company or simply Milton Bradley (MB) was a board game manufacturer established by Milton Bradley (1836-1911) in Springfield, Massachusetts, in 1860. In 1920, it absorbed the game production of McLoughlin Brothers, formerly the largest game manufacturer in the United States. It was acquired by Hasbro in 1984 and merged with their subsidiary Parker Brothers in 1998. The brand name continued to be used by Hasbro until 2009. (With thanks to Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Milton_Bradley_Company)

In Bradley's 1889-1890 Game and Toy Catalogue (https://archive.org/details/catalogueofgames00milt/mode/2up) there's an interesting game on page 31 the called "The Fascinator" and it's nothing to do with feathers or netting; it's what we would call a "Bobs Set"

Bradley's Game and Toy Catalogue 1889-1890 cover

Page 31 of Bradley's Catalogue showing "The Fascinator", a Bobs Set

1914

Bobs Sets were widely available to Australians as early as 1914 - possibly earlier - as illustrated by this entry in Anthony Hordern & Sons Limited's catalogue of that year. The description reads, "Bobs, the New Table Game...", which could indicate that it was a recent innovation.

Anthony Hordern & Sons Ltd 1914 catalogue illustrating a Bobs Set on page 362

The range of Bobs Sets offered by Anthony Hordern & Sons Ltd had a number of options: with cue and marbles or cue and wooden balls; with lignum vitae balls; balls only, etc.

The catalogue, uploaded by Sydney Living Museums/Historic Houses Trust of NSW can be found here:
https://archive.org/details/Hordern15027/page/352/mode/2up

Anthony Hordern & Sons Ltd 1914 catalogue illustrating a Bobs Set on page 362

1914

The game must have been quite popular by the time this item was offered by Anthony Hordern, as an advertisement in the Sydney Morning Herald of 12th October, 1914 begs for a "good Bobs Set". The ad reads:
WANTED, a good BOBS SET, at once, cheap. Reply to Verona, P.O., Enmore.

One wonders if the advertiser eventually purchased one from Anthony Hordern...
The page can be found here: https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/1554818

Ad in Sydney Morning Herald for a "good Bobs Set" 1914

1920s

This Bobs Set with an extraordinary number of balls is in the Subiaco (Western Australia) museum. the details read:
Table-top ball game similar to Pool. Constructed of light coloured wood, lightly varnished. Consists of a continuous row of 7 enclosures each having an entry space at the front through which balls are aimed using a cue. Two hinged side arms open forwards toward the players. Each has a row of holes which take match sticks for scoring. The board in front of the row of boxes, which has the seven entry points, is decorated with a poker-work pattern of leaves & stems, and 'BOBS PATENT' centrally placed. The entry points are numbered at random - 8, 5, 6, 3, 9, 2, 7.
Accessories: wooden cue, wooden balls of various sizes and colours, brown paper covered box to hold balls.
Acknowledgment: https://collectionswa.net.au/items/9972ea1a-8ef6-487f-a888-1fec805d9a22

1920s Bobs Set in the Subiaco (WA) museum

1924

During the next few decades, the game of Bobs must have been very popular with tables and sets provided by various church groups and service organisations providing entertainment.

In July, 1924, the Cairns Post (Queensland) announced that the Young People's Club of St Andrew's Church in Cairns had opened a recreation room with a number of facilities including a bobs set and table.
See https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/40225374?searchTerm=%22bobs%20set%22

Article in Cairns Post 1924

1935

Almost exactly 3 years later, very similar instructions were published in the Queenslander newspaper of Thursday 19th December 1935.
See https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/27514634?searchTerm=%22bobs%20set%22

Instructions for making a Bobs Set in the Queenslander of 19th December, 1935

Diagram for making a Bobs Set

Instructions for making a Bobs Set in the Queenslander of 19th December, 1935

1932

Meeting an ever-increasing demand for Bobs Sets, a Perth newspaper, The Sunday Times, in December, 1932, printed directions on how to make one's own Bobs Set, with illustrations.
See https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/58692153?searchTerm=%22bobs%20set%22

Instructions for making a Bobs Set in the Perth Sunday Times of 4th December, 1932

Diagram how to put together a Bobs Set

while in Great Britain in the 1930s...

There was a British predecessor as well. Not quite the same as Bobs but using a bridge instead of a 'stable', this game also used a set of wooden balls and cue. It was made by Chad Valley of Britain around the 1930s, and was known as "Skilly".

The Chad Valley Skilly (1930s) advertised on Etsy July 2020 https://www.etsy.com/au/listing/846558869/vintage-chad-valley-toy-the-chad-valley

The Chad Valley Skilly - with thanks to https://tomsk3000.com/product/1930s-skilly-game-by-chad-valley-england/

Back in Australia, in the Playthings Catalogue of 1956-1957

Walther & Stevenson Pty Ltd of 395 George Street, Sydney, regularly published a toy catalogue called "Playthings". In this 1956-1957 edition, a Bobs Set is listed at a retail price of 44/6 or ₤2/4/6 (two pounds, four shillings and six pence) - a hefty sum back then! The average basic wage for a male factory worker was around 300/- (300 shillings or ₤15.00) per week so, buying a Bobs Set for young Whats-his-name would cost the male worker on the basic wage around 15% of it... something to consider...

The cover of Walther & Stevenson's "Playthings" catalogue of 1956-1957

Walther & Stevenson's "Playthings" catalogue of 1956-1957 showing a Bobs Set

With thanks to: https://www.flickr.com/photos/39495180@N07/albums/72157627572427309/ where the whole catalogue may be viewed

Australian Manufacturers of Bobs Sets

From at least 1948, Australia had a number of manufacturers producing one form or another of Bobs.

RIVERSDALE MANUFACTURING CO PTY LTD A search of Trove shows that a company named Riversdale Manufacturing Co. announced in an article published in the Argus on 8th May 1948 advising, “RIVERSDALE MANUFACTURING CO PTY LTD, Burwood, manufacturers of indoor and outdoor games, has been registered with £25,000 capital.” (See: https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/22554721?searchTerm=%22riversdale%20manufacturing%22)
Another article, on 15th April 1953, in a publication called Construction advised, “K.H. James, of 111 Through Road. Burwood, is to build a factory in brick on Lots 8 and 9 Through Road, for Riversdale Manufacturing Co.” (See: https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/222896587/24782348)
The Riversdale Sports & Leisure Equipment (See: https://riversdalequoits.com.au/) currently situated at 10 Wisteria Drive Yarrgon Victoria 3823 continues to manufacture hookey boards and quoits but no Bobs Sets; these two companies may not be one and the same. Investigations continue...

JUMBO MANUFACTURING PTY. LTD. More information is available through Trove which gives a tiny insight into this company's history even though it is no longer exists.
The earliest references date to 12th December 1953 when Jumbo Manufacturing Co. placed this ad in the Age (Melbourne):

Jumbo ad 12th December 1953

TOY SALE.
Clearance Slightly Soiled Stock.
RIDICULOUS PRICES!
Hookey Sets, 2/-, 12 in. Dart Boards; 7/6,
Kiddies' Deck Chairs, 8/9; Hammer Pegs, 6/-,
Boxed Wood Jig-saw Puzzles (50-P.), 4/-.
Penguins, Penguins (flap their feet), 5/9.
Hobby Horses, 5/-; Trike Trailers, 25/-,
Wood Pull-along Train Sets (4 pces), 8/9,
Wooden pull-along Log Trucks, 1/6,
Large modern Dolls' Houses, 50/-,
Large Children's Picture Books, 1/6.
MANY OTHERS.
Inspect Now. Open Sat. Morn.
JUMBO MANUFACTURING Co.,
Post - Office Place, Caulfield.
Right Behind Caulfield Market,
1 Minute from Caulf. Stn.
Phone UL3000

It appears that Jumbo was eager to clear out "soiled" stock and cash in on the Christmas trade by selling directly to the public. Interesting that there is no mention of Bobs Sets. (This article can be found here: https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/206909249?searchTerm=%22Jumbo%20manufacturing%22)
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In the 2nd January, 1954 edition of The Melbourne Age, this ad appeared looking for male juniors: (See: https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/206088836?searchTerm=%22Jumbo%20manufacturing%2)

Jumbo ad 2nd January 1954

1954 was a year of financial challenges with the Sydney Morning Herald's Financial Editor publishing a concerning report of Australia's future because of America's position, "A more important kind of Davis Cup tie now begins for Australia on the economic front, where it seems that the United States, again, will present the most serious challenge to our prosperity in 1954."
It may have been this circumstance that had Jumbo Manufacturing Co. seeking work in this ad in 1st May, 1954 edition of the Melbourne Age: (See https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/205387440/19712933)

Jumbo ad 1st May 1954 seeking work

Jumbo Manufacturing Co. found extra work by supplying the Commonwealth Government, specifically the Postmaster-General's Department with blackboards in March 1958 and "woodware" in July 1959 as seen in these two published gazettes:

27 March 1958

See: https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/240891496/25975490

23rd July 1959

See: https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/240885933/2598162

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The Official Journal of the Commonwealth Department of Trade & Industry, "Overseas Trading", dated 14th April 1972 - Volume 24, Number 7, published an article on a trade mission to Singapore in which a number of prominent Australian toy manufacturers participated, Jumbo Manufacturing Pty Ltd being one. (Note that the name has changed from "Company" to "Proprietary Limited".)
The article can be found here: https://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-964121196/view?partId=nla.obj-964308369#page/n14/mode/1up

No further mentions of Jumbo Manufacturing found in Trove...

Other Bobs Set "finds" in Australia...
RIVERSDALE - JUMBO - KANGY

Riversdale and Jumbo Bobs Sets and Don Cricket Set offered at auction by Theodore Bruce in 2016

With thanks and no intention of copyright infringement: https://www.theodorebruceauctions.com.au/auction-lot/two-table-bob-set-games-jumbo-bobs-riverside_EF7426D8A

Theodore Bruce
118 Parramatta Road, Stanmore, NSW 2048
T: +612 8212 4100
E: [email protected]

Kangy Bobs Set offered by Lawsons Auctioneers 10th August, 2018 Sold for $25.00

RIVERSDALE BOBS SET

For more information and images go to: http://blissintheburbs-kayly.blogspot.com/2014/03/the-games-of-bobs.html

JUMBO BOBS SET

For more information go to: https://www.evansclarke.com.au/detail.aspx?id=120484

KANGY BOBS SET

Kangy Bobs Set

For more information, go to https://collection.australiansportsmuseum.org.au/objects/619/wooden-game-bob and https://www.lawsons.com.au/asp/fullCatalogue.asp?salelot=8585++++1294+&refno=31452983&saletype=P

More Bobs Set "finds"

Offered in March 2025 on Facebook Marketplace by Sunshine Vintage of 14 Murray Street, Tocumwal in New South Wales, this Jumbo Bobs Set is in pristine condition and complete with balls, cue, arms and 'stable' in its original box. Of note is the faceboard, which features a different pattern from those listed here: grey and white instead of red brickwork. The illustration on the box, too, has been changed to reflect the different design.
Sincere thanks to the seller, Sunshine Vintage, at to Facebook Marketplace - no infringement of copyright intended: https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/682161984437283/?ref=search&referral_code=null&referral_story_type=post&tracking=browse_serp%3A896e7f68-5e12-421e-ae92-f485a503ef2e

Jumbo Bobs Set offered on Facebook Marketplace by Sunshine Vintage of 14 Murray Street, Tocumwal

This Jumbo Bobs Set was advertised on Facebook Marketplace in December 2024. It has its original box but seems to be missing one arm and two balls but otherwise in good condition.
With thanks to the seller and Facebook Marketplace with no intention to infringe copyright: https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/835496228616541/?ref=search&referral_code=null&referral_story_type=post&tracking=browse_serp%3A273ac595-09af-4dae-bd63-27a68a6f7849

Jumbo Bobs Set on Facebook Marketplace December 2024

A complete Commando Bobs Set, with balls and cue, was offered for sale on Facebook Marketplace in June, 2024. This particular brand appears to be uncommon, the manufacturer, while unknown, is most likely Australian. The faceboard is plywood and decorated by stenciled spray-paint, indicating it is vintage and possibly dating from the third quarter of last century (c1950-1975).
With thanks to Facebook Marketplace and the Seller with no intention to infringe copyright.
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1004406293920969/?ref=search&referral_code=null&referral_story_type=post&tracking=browse_serp%3A1ac97ceb-2bbb-4b62-8763-499d9e36e45c

Commando Bobs Set offered for sale on Marketplace in June 2024

Interesting also is that a similar example of a Commando Bobs Set was offered at auction in March 2024 by Invaluable for an estimate between $30 to $60 but was passed in. The item offered at auction (left) is definitely a different item to that offered on Marketplace (above).
With thanks to Invaluable
https://www.invaluable.com/auction-lot/commando-bobs-balls-set-204-c-20d43688ef?objectID=187015468&algIndex=upcoming_lots_lotNumber_asc_prod&queryID=e213ddd0925f772489d3f92743200527

Commando Bobs Set offered for sale at auction by Invaluable in March, 2024

Another Bobs Set offered at auction by "Magic Time" by Abbingdon Auctions of Hawthorn Road, Caulfield, VIC, 3162, made by Jumbo and sold on 8th November 2015, listed on the Invaluable website: https://www.invaluable.com/auction-lot/australian-1950s-boxed-jumbo-bobs-set-with-cue-ba-47-c-5ad4287b61?srsltid=AfmBOorVsB3zQ2_DGd6ECE8roLY3wqHLe1JKgtp35yQ4nzJoDrKbY9ZP

Jumbo Bobs Set sold at auction in 2015 by Magic Auctions in Victoria

This Jumbo Bobs Set was on Facebook Marketplace in May 2024, with original box and cure but with only one arm and a gold-coloured ball. With thanks: https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1607642703353950/?ref=search&referral_code=null&referral_story_type=post&tracking=browse_serp%3A1958875f-250d-49ea-a34b-710b7ee337b0

Jumbo Bobs Set listed on Marketplace in May 2024

Riversdale Bobs Set listed on Marketplace in May 2024

Also listed in May 2024 is this Riversdale Bobs Set. It appears complete but without is original carton.

Riversdale Bobs Set listed on Marketplace in May 2024

With thanks: https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/730198112519745/?ref=search&referral_code=null&referral_story_type=post&tracking=browse_serp%3A78911a6f-8934-4d97-a794-5a02f40d742c

Kangy Bobs Set below was found on Facebook Marketplace in October 2023, offered for sale by Pickers Retro Haven of Beaconsfield, Victoria, and is in 'fair' condition supplied with its cue but no balls. Playing rules are pasted on the back of the board.
Website: https://pickersretrohaven.com.au/
Facebook Marketplace listing: https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/532545555736281/?ref=search&referral_code=null&referral_story_type=post&tracking=browse_serp%3A0570b1d6-b872-496b-87e0-98bd5558bac7

This Jumbo Bobs Set was found on Gumtree offered for sale by Treasure Chest Art of Western Australia on 2nd February, 2023. It is almost complete, missing only 4 of its original 7 balls. Asking $40 (AU).
Acknowledgement: https://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/o-connor/collectables/vintage-australian-wooden-bobs-set-jumbo-rare-box-/1307892036

Jumbo Bobs Set on Gumtree from Treasure Chest Art 2023

Details of Jumbo Bobs Set on Gumtree from Treasure Chest Art 2023

Jumbo Bobs Set on Gumtree from Treasure Chest Art 2023

These were discovered on Monday, 28th February, 2022 on a high shelf in Southern Antiques of Kogarah, New South Wales.
One is by Riversdale and the other by "DW" (unknown maker).

Southern Antiques is a unique, well-established, community based emporium. Our boutique like atmosphere with over 30 dealers welcomes you into a nostalgic and comforting space focussing on a diverse range of furniture, jewellery, collectables, linen, toys, vintage clothes, radios, mid-century glassware and pottery.
Monday - Friday 9am - 4pm
Saturday, Sunday 9am - 5pm
Contact them - They'd love to hear from you about their products and services or anything vintage
Email [email protected]
https://southernantiques.sydney/pages/about-us

This Classic Bobs 'stable' was found in a large antiques shop in the small country village of Penrose, NSW, on 18th April, 2021.
https://www.facebook.com/Penrose-Antiques-102416971862232/?ref=page_internal

"Classic" Bobs Set from Penrose Antiques "found" April 2021

Found on eBay in March, 2017, this excellent example of a Jumbo Bobs Set was offered for $69.97 (AU)by a seller in Geelong (Victoria).
Acknowledgement: https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/296270493666

Jumbo Bobs Set on eBay 2017

Details of Jumbo Bobs Set on eBay 2017

Jumbo Bobs Set on eBay 2017

Box of Jumbo Bobs Set on eBay 2017

Jumbo Bobs Set on eBay 2017

Detail of the cue included in the Jumbo Bobs Set on eBay 2017

From Gumtree, this "Vintage Australian Bobs Board Playing Game" was offered September, 2016. The ad read: Good general used condition, commensurate with the age. Great game for all the family, or a home bar/man cave. Comes with instructions, cue, and balls. No damage other than age related minor wear. Felt in good condition. Perfect for a games room without the space for a billiard table. Dimensions: 152cm long, 78cm wide.
Acknowledgement: https://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/west-pymble/other-antiques-art-collectables/vintage-australian-bobs-board-playing-game-games-room-man-cave/112331702

Rules for alternative games to play on a Bobs Set board posted on Gumtree 2016

Bobs Set board posted on Gumtree 2016

Balls and game rules for the Bobs Set board posted on Gumtree 2016

VINTAGE Riversdale Bobs Set AND HAMMER sold by Yarra Valley Auctions (Victoria) on 11th July, 2021. This is a fine example of the Riversdale Bobs Set but without its cue and balls. The wooden hammer is part of the sale but not part of the set.
Acknowledgement: https://yarravalleyauctions.hibid.com/lot/95189831/vintage-riversdale-bob-set-and-hammer

Riversdale Bobs Set (and Hammer) sold by Yarra Valley Auctions in 2021

The Australian Sports Museum (Melbourne Cricket Ground, Yarra Park, Gate 3 Brunton Ave, East Melbourne VIC 3002) holds two Bobs Sets. One by an unknown manufacturer and the second by Kangy.

Unknown Manufacturer

Australian Sports Museum Bobs Set

Australian Sports Museum Bobs board

Description of Australian Sports Museum Bobs board

Australian Sports Museum Bobs Balls

Description of Australian Sports Museum Bobs Balls

Acknowledgement: https://collection.australiansportsmuseum.org.au/objects/602/game-bobs
https://collection.australiansportsmuseum.org.au/objects/595/game-bob

Manufactured by Kangy

Australian Sports Museum Kangy Bobs Board

Description of Australian Sports Museum Kangy Bobs Board

Acknowledgement: https://collection.australiansportsmuseum.org.au/objects/619/wooden-game-bob

This is an interesting website about board games which features some very old and not so old Bobs Sets from around the world.
See: https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgameversion/128788/glevum-english-edition
and https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/109464/bobs-the-new-bridge-game
Click on the links above for information on the various sets. Here are some of the pics (with thanks and no intention to infringe copyright):

1968-c1982

Rules

Bestoys Bobs Set Find on eBay

A Little Bit of History...

Other Bobs Set "finds" in Australia...​RIVERSDALE - JUMBO - KANGY

More Bobs Set "finds"

Other Bobs Set "finds" in Australia...
RIVERSDALE - JUMBO - KANGY