Return to Results

"As You Like It" Blocks -- Portrait Metamorphosis Puzzle Game

Ives, Blakeslee and Co. manufactured toys for American children ranging from puzzles and mechanical toys to toy pistols, magic lanterns, rattles and toy banks. Their factory was in Bridgeport, Connecticut.

New York, New York: Ives, Blakeslee Co., c.1880. A charming box of children's puzzles, that doubles as a metamorphosis/transformation. In total there are five (5) different puzzles, each with its own character. This example is complete. The characters can be mixed and matched (hence the "metamorphosis") to create completely new characters in a fun twist on the traditional puzzle. Note well the stereotypes (racist, sexist, ageist, xenophobic or otherwise) at play here. The characters include: Uncle Sam; a whiskered gentleman; a minstrel; an Irishman; and an old maid. Each puzzle measures approx. 9.5" by 6.5" by 0.25", and is made from a coated chromolithographed print pasted onto five different blocks of wood. The box measures approx. 10.5" by 7.5" by 2.5", and has a sliding lid. Good. Wear and chipping to extremities, with some loss to upper image on box. Some bowing.

Price: $1,000.00

Item #47000485