Drawing Stencils No. 1 for Use on Slate or Paper (Drawing Stencils for Our Little Artist)

Complete set of 20 stencils, 4.5 x 6.5 inches each, plus a stock of practice papers and four sheets with a child's examples on each side. Enclosed in original box, 7.5 x 5.5 x 1 inches. With original [4]p leaflet with instructions for developing drawings from the stenciled image by connecting lines, adding shading, etc. This set of 20 stencils includes images, letters, numbers, and words. Stencils generally in Very Good condition with occasional markings from use. The house stencil has a torn piece which is still present; the stencils are otherwise without major damage or loss. The box is in Fair to Good condition, moderately soiled and worn at the edges. Bottom slightly crushed and with about 2 inches of lip missing from the lid; still rests squarely.

A selection of stencils originally designed and manufactured by Milton Bradley Co. beginning in the late 1800s. These represent number 1 in a 4-part series sold in the Montgomery Ward Stationery Department in the early to mid-20th century. Undated, possibly ca. 1910. Particular attention paid to explaining the German manufacture of the stencils, and promoting the designs, including a baseball theme and ad for Milton Bradley Co. Kindergarten Blocks, as distinctly American: "The German drawing stencils made from leather-paper, with perforations for the insertion of a lead or slate pencil have become very popular, as fascinating and educational busy work at home and in sub-primary schools. Owing to the peculiar nature of the material, and the processes of manufacture, all these goods have thus far been imported, and a large proportion of the designs are consequently peculiarly foreign... In the "Little Artist Stencils" many are new, from American designs, and consequently more attractive to American children; these are found in no other collections."