Titled on the box cover “Little Tot” and “Golden ABC Blocks” and referenced as “Golden Cubes, this is a charming and completely original 19th century (Circa 1885) four cube set of word learning and alphabet blocks; housed in its original wooden case and lithographed top lid, American maker with McLoughlan Bros markings on the box lid (see images). There is absolutely to restoration, no touch up paint and no repairs of any kind and the blocks are in bright, crisp, sharp, original colors, with animal and people themes to each side of the six sided blocks, with a black printed explanation at the base of each side stating what the letters stand for. This is a great find; number one, because of its completeness, and just as significant, the condition of the blocks are way above average, considering their copious and often rough usage. Some examples of the letters and matching characters are; the letter “R” with a robin and rabbit; “K”; “I” an Indian and an infant; “F” a fireman and a fox. (See all of the images to get the gist of the connections, the quality, and the creativity; in addition to the bright and vibrant original full color illustrations.
This is a wonderful children’s item for those who collect antique games, toys, or early folk art Americana. The McGloughlin Bros. company in New York City were the premier maker of these types of chromolithography items during the mid to late 19th century period. The entire four cube set rests perfectly in it’s original wooden box and it is completely original with no restoration, repairs, repaint or touch up of any kind; normal minor scuffing here and there from usage. A RARE find indeed to find all four of the original blocks with no “missing sides” or major deficiency——–after nearly 140 years!
Dimensions: 14″ long x 4″ wide x 3 1/2″ high (in box)
each block measures 3 1/4″ square (13″ tall when stacked)
Provenance: From my own collection of antique toys games, and children’s items accumulated over a period of 50 years, this item having been acquired in the late 1990’s.
Note: I am a second generation antiques dealer and have been in business, buying, selling, and collecting, for 50 years; I am also a member of several prestigious antique associations. Thus, I am well qualified to inspect and evaluate the products I offer for sale and I guarantee this to be authentic and as I have described.