19thc. Crandall Nesting Blocks Patented 1881
I’m drawn to early picture blocks because they’re like beautifully illustrated children’s books with an added dimension. This is a delightful set of ten ABC nesting blocks — the creation of 19th century American toy maker Jesse Armour Crandall (who also invented the shoo-fly rocker). Marked “J. A. Crandall’s Mammoth ABC,” with a patent date of June 28th 1881, the set features colorful illustrations of animals and children playing on and around giant letters of the alphabet.
Made of lithographed paper over thick wood panels with tongue and groove corners, these sturdy blocks were made to last. The largest block is 6-1/2” H X 6-1/4 X 6-1/4, and the smallest is 1-1/2” square. A product number on the edge of each block (45o1.1a through 45o.1j — or One through Ten) confirms that the set is complete and all the blocks are original to the set. In short, this is a toy that has everything going for it: personality, condition (very good to excellent), and a place in America’s toy making history,
SOLD