Victorian Mechanical Divination Game – L’Oiseau Bleu by Saussine (c. 1870–1890)

An exceptionally rare 19th-century magnetic fortune-telling game, L’Oiseau Bleu, published by the famous Parisian game maker L. Saussine. Produced between 1870 and 1900, this magnificent set is over 120–150 years old and represents one of the earliest French mechanical divination devices.

This luxurious fortune-telling box features a magnetic pointer (the Hand) mounted under glass, designed to turn and stop in front of one of the 8 small decorated boxes, each containing printed answer slips. By placing one of the two question palettes in the centre—each divided into thematic questions—the magnet hidden inside triggers the mechanism, allowing the Hand to reveal the answer.

This game is based on the 1870 patent filed by Léon Saussine, and Saussine presented similar mechanical divination games at the Exposition Universelle of 1878.

The artwork on the lid—signed by Ludovic—depicts a magician revealing the future to members of a royal-style court. The interior is beautifully decorated with chromolithographed floral motifs, making this a highly desirable display piece.

Despite its age, the set is complete with:
– The original magnetic palette (question wheel)
– 8 original small boxes (matchbox style)
– All printed answer cards (6 per box)
– Original illustrated lid and decorated base

A superb and extremely rare example of 19th-century French parlour divination.

🔹 Publisher: L. Saussine, Paris
🔹 Date: c. 1870–1890
🔹 Components: Magnetic divination box, 8 boxes with answers, question palette
🔹 Dimensions: approx. 27 × 21.5 × 6 cm
🔹 Condition: Structurally sound; visible wear, tears, and fading consistent with age. The distressed appearance enhances its antique charm.
🔹 Origin: France
🔹 1 unit only — impossible to find today in complete form.

A remarkable museum-level piece for collectors of antique games, mechanical divination, and Saussine editions.