Selchow & Righter Company
119 years in operation (1867–1986)
About Selchow & Righter Company
One of America's oldest game publishers, Selchow & Righter — frequently misspelled as Richter — are best known as the original US publishers of Scrabble (1952). They also published Parcheesi and in 1983 licensed Trivial Pursuit, which became a cultural phenomenon. Coleco acquired the company in 1986.
History of Selchow & Righter Company
Selchow & Righter — the encyclopedia record spells it Richter — was a New York game publisher whose history consists of two extraordinary pieces of good judgement about other people's inventions, separated by eighty years.
The first was Parcheesi. The company acquired the American rights to the game, derived from the Indian pachisi, and published it from the 1860s as "the Royal Game of India"; it became one of the best-selling American board games and sustained the business for a century.
The second was Scrabble. Alfred Butts had invented it in the 1930s and could not interest a publisher; James Brunot manufactured it in small quantities from a Connecticut schoolhouse until demand overwhelmed him, and Selchow & Righter took it over in 1952 and turned it into a permanent fixture of American life. The company then did it a third time, publishing Trivial Pursuit in America in 1983 after larger firms declined it, and had the biggest board-game hit of the decade. Coleco bought the company in 1986 and Hasbro acquired the properties from Coleco's collapse.
Timeline
- 1867Selchow & Righter is established in New York
- 1870Parcheesi is published as the Royal Game of India and becomes a long-term best seller
- 1952The company takes over manufacture of Scrabble
- 1983Trivial Pursuit is published in the United States and becomes the decade's biggest hit
- 1986Coleco acquires the company
Notable & Best-Selling Toys
- Scrabble (US license, 1952)
- Parcheesi
- Trivial Pursuit (US license, 1983)
- Pin the Tail on the Donkey
- Scrabble Junior
Identifying & Dating Selchow & Righter Company Toys
- Look for "Selchow & Righter Co." with "New York" or "Bay Shore, N.Y." and a copyright date on the box lid and board.
- Scrabble sets are dated by box design, tile material and rack style; early 1950s sets have distinctive wooden racks and box construction.
- Post-1986 issues carry Coleco or later Hasbro attribution.
Collector's Notes
- Early Scrabble sets — the Brunot-era production and the first Selchow & Righter issues — are the collected items, and completeness of the 100 tiles is the first thing to verify.
- Nineteenth-century Parcheesi boards are collected for their lithographed artwork, and the folding boards are often found in poor condition at the hinge.
- Mid-century mass editions are plentiful and worth little; buy for the artwork and completeness rather than as an investment.
Currently for Sale on eBay
Live listings for Selchow & Righter Company toys and collectibles, fetched directly from eBay.
As an eBay Partner, this site may earn a commission from qualifying purchases made through these links, at no extra cost to you. Figures shown are current asking prices on eBay, not appraised market values.
Categories
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Selchow & Righter Company founded?
Selchow & Righter Company was founded in 1867, based in New York, NY.
Is Selchow & Righter Company still in business?
No. Selchow & Righter Company ceased operations in 1986, after 119 years in business.
What is Selchow & Righter Company best known for?
Selchow & Righter Company is best known for Scrabble (US license, 1952), Parcheesi, Trivial Pursuit (US license, 1983), among other toys.
Where was Selchow & Righter Company located?
Selchow & Righter Company was based in New York, NY.
What kinds of toys did Selchow & Righter Company make?
Selchow & Righter Company is categorized under games, board games.
How can you identify genuine Selchow & Righter Company toys?
Look for "Selchow & Righter Co." with "New York" or "Bay Shore, N.Y." and a copyright date on the box lid and board. Scrabble sets are dated by box design, tile material and rack style; early 1950s sets have distinctive wooden racks and box construction. Post-1986 issues carry Coleco or later Hasbro attribution.
Are Selchow & Righter Company toys valuable?
Early Scrabble sets — the Brunot-era production and the first Selchow & Righter issues — are the collected items, and completeness of the 100 tiles is the first thing to verify. Nineteenth-century Parcheesi boards are collected for their lithographed artwork, and the folding boards are often found in poor condition at the hinge. Mid-century mass editions are plentiful and worth little; buy for the artwork and completeness rather than as an investment.