| " In the 1950s, a home library or den had a solid-wood, square-topped table with four matching chairs to use for bridge, poker, mah-jongg or board games like Monopoly. But games were not as important to the family in the 20th century as they were in the 18th and 19th centuries. Perhaps that's because radio and television took time away from group tabletop games." " In the 18th century, very elaborate game tables were made for the main room of the house. There could be ivory, exotic woods or mother-of-pearl intricate inlay on the tabletop and legs. Tables were made for chess, checkers, backgammon and card games. Many had the tops marked as special game boards. Some had several tops, one above the other, that could be changed for each game. A few had rectangular folding tops that opened to a felt-topped square table." " Tables were made in the style of the day, from Chippendale to Empire, and some included clever accessories, like slides to hold drinks or wells that held chips or counters." " By 1900, game tables were no longer popular. But today, old game tables, either reproductions or antiques, are hot." "A blue glass bottle has been in our family for more than 100 years. The quart bottle is slightly flattened and has raised designs on both sides. One side has 13 stars across the top above the word "Union." Below that are clasped hands and vines above an oval enclosing the words "Frank & Sons" and "Wm. Pitts." The reverse side shows a flagpole with the flag flying next to a cannon mounted on two wheels." " Your bottle is an American flask, known to collectors as "Union, Clasped Hands and Cannon." More than 65 years ago, Helen and George McKearin developed a numbering system for American glass flasks. Serious collectors use the system, which is detailed in the books "American Glass" and "American Bottles and Flasks." The books name and number each bottle, including yours (No. GXII-38). Your flask was made around 1865 by William Frank & Sons at the Frankstown Glass Works in Pittsburgh. The flask sells today for about $200." "About 13 years ago, my husband and I were cleaning our barn in Pulaski,
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