The Giant Nest of ABC and Picture Blocks

Artist/Maker Unidentified maker

The Giant Nest of ABC and Picture Blocks

ca. 1900

Place madeUnited States, North America

Wood, paper

Largest (block): 5 3/4 x 7 1/8 x 7 1/8 in. (14.6 x 18.1 x 18.1 cm)

The Liman Collection

2000.221

Nested blocks, consisting of a series of successively smaller hollow blocks that fit neatly one inside the other, were invented by toy manufacturer Jesse Crandall in 1881. They continue as a staple of children's play today.

DescriptionTwelve wooden nesting alphabet blocks (hollow) covered in paper, each progressively smaller than the next, nesting into each other; each block printed with sequence of letters in alphabet, numbers, multiplication tables or the days of the week and the months of the year across the tops, and lithographed illustrations of animals, boats, religious vignettes and children in various poses; largest block printed on the top, "The Giant/ Nest of A.B.C./ and/ Picture Blocks".

ClassificationsTOYS

Collections