Artist/Maker McLoughlin Brothers (American, 1854 – 1921)

Story blocks

ca. 1887

Place madeNew York, New York, United States, North America

Wood, paper

Overall (a, largest block): 6 1/4 × 4 1/2 × 4 1/2 in. (15.9 × 11.4 × 11.4 cm)

The Liman Collection

1992.12.11a-c

DescriptionSeries of three wooden story blocks (hollow) covered in paper, each progressively smaller than the next, nesting into each other; top of each block printed with sequence of three letters in alphabet, grouped as H-L, M-Q, R-Z, and with sides covered with illustrations of various colors; each story block has four scenes from a specific tale, with captions above or below: (a) Tom Thumb, (b) Puss in Boots, (c) Goody Two Shoes.

Markingsprinted: on first panel of block (a): "TOM THUMB/BLOCKS"; "In the claws of the Raven"; on second panel: "The King's Cook/Surprised."; on third panel: "The tiny courtier:"; on fourth panel: "The combat with Puss:" printed: on first panel of block (b): "Puss speaks/words of comfort/to his Master:"; "PUSS BOOTS BLO/in/Get the storybook/Copyright/1888/McLOUGHLIN BRO'S [paper torn]"; on second panel: "Puss out-wits/the Rabbits:"; on third panel: "Puss provides a/Dish for the King."; on fourth panel: "Puss introduces his/Master to the Ogre's Castle:" printed: on first panel of block (c): "Two Shoes, Ma'am. Two Shoes!"; "Goody Two Shoes Block./GET THE STORY BOOK./MCLOUGHLIN BRO'S N.Y."; on second panel: "Goody warns the Squire:"; on third panel: "BROTHER AND SISTER:"; on fourth panel: "THE ORPHANS:"

ClassificationsTOYS

Collections