In the old days, this would have been called a printer's block, but more specifically, this is a piece used to print punchboards. Colorful, poster-size games of chance once popular in taverns. Actually, anywhere a crook could make a buck. A player would purchase a chance, then punch the board to see if their rolled up number inside awarded a prize. They are illegal now for the most part. Guess who got his start in organized crime peddling "chances" in this rigged game? A very young Jack Ruby. Mob-run punchboards in Chicago.
Lucky Ben Punchboard Printing Block Circa 1940 or so. Collection Jim Linderman
