The Book Case of Instruction

Period1813

MediumVarnished pine, cardboard, pasteboard, paper

DimensionsCase: 6.5 × 4.25 × 3.5 in. (16.5 × 10.8 × 8.9 cm)
Book: 4 × 2.5 in. (10.2 × 6.4 cm)

ClassificationsToys & Games

Credit LineGift of Mrs. J. Amory Haskell, 1940

Object number1522

DescriptionA rectangular storage box of varnished yellow pine, with a front sliding lid. A hand-painted woodcut print of a young boy and girl in front of bookshelves with the title "BOOK CASE OF INSTRUCTION" along the bottom of the print is glued to the front of the lid. A small crest panel is glued to the top of the sliding lid. The lid lifts off, revealing the interior of the box, which was originally fitted with a medial shelf, central divider panel, and small drawer beneath, all now missing. Portions of the original pink paper box lining remain. Inside the box are nine small children's books, all with various marbelized cardboard covers. In one instance, the paper used appears to have been a page from an older book, as printing is visible beneath the marbelizing pattern. All books include different colored bindings (red, maroon, green, dark green, yellow, and brown.) Eight of the nine books include printed pink paper title plates glued to the front covers. The books include "History of England, from the Conquest to the Death of George II." Printed on the title page is "London: printed for J. Wallis, No. 42, Skinner Street, Snow Hill; By F. Vigurs, 14, York Street, Covent Garden, 1813." The book contains entries for each English ruler, with a simple woodcut portrait and highlights of each reign. The "Old Testament" and "New Testament" volumes contain selected biblical figures, with simple woodcut portraits and brief biographies. "Grammar: Short and Easy Rules for Attaining a Knowledge of English Grammar" includes basic grammar principles. "Beasts: The Good Childs Cabinet of Natural History, Volume 1," "Birds: The Good Childs Cabinet of Natural History, Volume 2," "Fishes: The Good Childs Cabinet of Natural History, Volume 3," and "Insects: The Good Childs Cabinet of Natural History, Volume 4" all include charming and simple woodcuts and brief descriptions of habitat and behavior. The ninth volume, "Mythology: or Fabulous Histories of the Heathen Deities," has a publication date of 1800 and does not include the pink title plate on the front cover.
Curatorial RemarksThis charming case and book set was produced by John Wallis (d. 1818). Wallis was active between about 1794 and 1818. It appears that at least two sons, John Wallis Jr. and Edward Wallis joined their father in the publishing business. Wallis specialized in children's maps, board games, and instructional toys such as this case and books. One of his earliest offerings was the 1794 "New Geographical Game." Many of his surviving publications are in the collection of the Victoria & Albert Museum. Wallis was one of a number of English publishers who focused on producing toys and amusements for children at the turn of the century.NotesThis early nineteenth century children's toy, produced in England in about 1813, may have been given as a treasured heirloom to a Freehold child. A small handwritten note inside the storage box reads "Freehold NJ Aug 9, 1871. Mary my dear little / girl. These lines will / inform you that I / have not forgotten / you. Mary, Nellie / want[s] to know / why you do not write to her. She is / expecting a letter every day from you. / Tell your ma that I went / home on Sunday and made the bed. / And Monday I went and got dinner for Nora. / And Nora says that your baby has behave[d] herself very good. [sic] Aunt Rachel is verry [sic] bad yet. She has not been down stairs for a week. Mary, you must write to me and let / me know when you / are coming home. / Good bye, now must excuse all / my bad writing as I / am in a hurry / No more, Olivia." Donor Mrs. J. Amory Haskell was a well-respected and highly recognized early 20th century collector of American furniture, paintings, and decorative arts. Her donations to the Historical Association reveal that Haskell had a great interest in items relating to children, including such unique and oftentimes rare toys such as this miniature storage case and books.

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