British-made patriotic manual dexterity marble maze board game simulating trench warfare on the western front in World War One. The object of the game is to maneuver a small metal ball around a recessed playing board and avoid holes distributed around the course. Players win the game by navigating the ball around the course and into the goal which is guarded by a larger hole. Most of the holes on the course are accompanied by caricatures of German military commanders: “Little Willie” (outside right); “Von Terpitz” (centre forward); “Von Kluck” (outside left); “Von Bulow” (inside left); “Von Hindenburg” (inside right); “Von Der Goltz” (right half); “Von Moltke” (centre half); “Enver Pasha” (left half); “Count Zeppelin” (right back); “Von Sanders” (left back), and “The Kaiser” as the goal mouth. Two additional holes labeled “behind” on each side of the goal have no associated illustration. The top left and the top right flanking the goal are labeled “corner” but without holes or images. The top of the game board features the words “British Design” and “British Made.” The bottom of the game board notes “Registration Applied For.” The game board is encased in a wooden frame under glass.

The back of the game features a printed label with rules and explanatory text. The manufacturer's initials “R. F. & S.” for R. Farmer & Sons are at the bottom. The top right of the back label has a small square of paper loss.

The label on the back reads in full:

“TRENCH FOOTBALL. THE GREAT INTERNATIONAL GAME. (Registration applied for). By the Makers of the Sensationally Successful War Game—”THE SILVER BULLET.”

MODE OF ATTACK You have a feeble opponent in “Little Willie” at “Outside Right.” Loot Ball is his speciality and passing the outsider with the contempt he deserves, you negotiate the skulkier Von Tirpitz (notorious for his foul play) on his first ever appearance in the open as “Centre Forward.”

Having downed (or drowned) him you pass to your “Outside Left” and although Von Kluck is now used to being “left outside” he is an honest thruster but is not clever, and in an important match of recent date he lost his nerve and broke down badly when within shooting distance of goal.

Von Bulow at “Inside Left,” talkative and tricky, can be swept aside with an honest rush.

Von Hindenburg at “Inside Right” has not been played regularly of late, the Grand Duke having badly shaken his confidence. Competent critics are of opinion that he was greatly overrated, and is not likely to re-gain his form or to give trouble on this or any future occasion.

Von der Goltz, stiff and stodgy at “Right Half” has never been able to think clearly since the Belgian International outwitted him.

Von Moltke, a poor imitation of the Great Von Moltke has greatly subsided since his quarrel with the goal keeper, and it is unlikely that he will in any way retard the attack.

Enver Pasha of doubtful sanity, at “Left Half” is, on a pinch, more than likely to attack his own colleagues.

Von Sanders at “Left Back” is a comparatively new man of unproved merit.

Count Zeppelin at “Right Back” is the gas-bag of our opponents, he has been badly pricked of late, and is far less dangerous than he appears on paper.

“Lord High Everything, Canting Bully Bill” in “GOAL” you must keep your eye on, he holds the record for mouth, and foul play.

To obtain a goal you must dodge his mouth, it is the chief difficulty. He has proved himself mentally incapable of understanding the rules of the game or the meaning of fair play. Many complaints have been lodged against him, and it is probable that he will in the near future be “suspended indefinitely.”

Vigour and decision is necessary in dealing with him.”