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Toy Children's American "Flag Blocks" by The Embossing Co. New York Circa 1940

$1,150
£878.02
€1,014.54
CA$1,614.38
A$1,799.40
CHF 944.08
MX$21,973.57
NOK 11,954.13
SEK 11,298.47
DKK 7,571.98

About the Item

Fabulous set of children's blocks (54 in all) stenciled, hand painted, and decorated on all sides, but featuring the 48 star American Flag (created in 1912 with addition of New Mexico and Arizona) "What can young patriots make" inscribed on box cover; along with the American Flag. In addition to the alphabet, when rotated, the blocks form a squadron of soldiers, sailors, and aviators; or, a squadron of planes, tanks, and ships. Obviously this is a war time game to encourage patriotism amongst children and their parents. It was made by the Embossing Company in Albany, New York, circa 1940. The Embossing Company was established in 1870 by John Wesley Hyatt and others, and they wound up being the dominant producers of dominoes, checkers, and a plethora of multi themed children's blocks (see image of turn of the century company building). Their motto was to make "Toys That Teach". This particular item is referenced in a book on the history of the American Flag titled "Long May it Wave" published in 2001 by Kit Hinrichs on page 116. The wooden blocks are in very good and all original condition with no touch up paint or restoration, and they are complete (all of the original blocks intact). The box is all original but does have a few tears here and there and some tape repairs to the corners, but otherwise sturdy (see images). Dimensions: 7 7/8" high x 12 1/4" wide x 1 1/2" deep Provenance: From my own collection of toys, banks, and children's playthings having acquired over 30 years ago. Note: After 40 plus years of dealing and collecting toys, I am justly qualified to guarantee and present the authenticity of antique and vintage toys and children's playthings; important considering the fakes and reproductions in the marketplace it would behoove an enterprising collector, dealer, or decorator to take advantage of the opportunity to buy as many of the vintage tin toys that I have listed for sale; it would create an immediate quality collection, as most of these toys came, either from a long time premium California collection or from my own shelves. It would take quite some time and effort to accumulate toys this clean, authentic, original, operable and in excellent condition. See my other listings of over 100+ vintage toys and antique children's toy savings banks from which to chose.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 1.5 in (3.81 cm)Width: 12.25 in (31.12 cm)Depth: 7.88 in (20.02 cm)
  • Style:
    Folk Art (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    Circa 1940
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use.
  • Seller Location:
    Incline Village, NV
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU973243769492

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