Hard to find children’s lithographed game blocks, with scenes and pictures on all six sides of each of the nine blocks featuring several topics with the main theme being formally attired Victorian like young girls in rich fancy colors on a red, white, and blue, American flag backdrop thus, the name of the blocks “Old Glory”.
The blocks and box are in completely all original condition with all of the lithographed pictures to all sides intact; quite unusual considering children played with these; stacked them; arranged them, and, I’m sure parents made full use of the educational attribute of them because the numbers (zero through nine), and the full alphabet, (A to Z), are completely represented.
The six different themes are:
1) The alphabet
2) Numbers zero through nine
3) Young girls with the American flag
4) Different types of flowers and birds
5) Fables themed fabulous caricatures with popular fan favorite animals engaged in human like activities (ducks, frogs, monkeys, dogs, fox).
6) Children carrying on in everyday activities
There are no repairs, restoration, or touch up of any kind to this COMPLETE and intact set of “Old Glory” nine blocks; the colors of the lovely lithographed images are bright and crisp with fine detail; there are minor losses to the edges of some of the blocks. The cover is excellent and the graphics depict children at play in a snow scene while the maker “McLoughlin Bros.: is clearly indicated along with the date of manufacture “1901” (see images).
For those not familiar with the maker, McGloughlin Brothers, they were the premier producer of color printing games, puzzles, toys, books, and children’s items (with a specialty in educational play things); having been established in New York City in 1858. They eventually sold out to Milton Bradley in 1920.
This rare set of children’s blocks would make a wonderful addition covering several genres; to a collection of patriotic memorabelia, games, toys, children’s play things, Americana, folk art, or simply as a stand alone item.
Dimensions:
The box is 12 3/4″ long x 8 1/4″ wide x 3″ high
Each block is 4″ high x 2″ wide
Provenance: From my own personal collection of children’s toys, banks, children’s play items acquired over 30 years ago.
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.