Fruit Sewing Cards (in original box)

"This box, besides the cards, contains a variety of colored threads for working the designs. These cards are made by a patented process and are ready for working, the holes being already perforated at the proper points. The lines to be sewed are represented by the printed dots. After a design is completed tell the child what it represents, its history, etc."

Advertised as part of a "New Line of Sewing Cards constructed on the general line of the Story Sewing Cards which have proved, so popular… Each box contains twelve cards made under the patented Process of puncturing for the holes and dotting for the outlines to guide the child. These designs are sometimes used by ‘Children of a Larger Growth’ for patterns in decorative needle work.” (Milton Bradley's Catalogue of Home Amusements, 1900-1901, p. 53) Other lines in the series were Animal, Fish, Leaf, Flower, Birds, and Soldiers and Sailors Sewing Cards, which proved popular throughout the decade. The cards were later assigned a series number, dating these among the earliest examples.

11 (of 12) perforated sewing cards, 5.5 x 4 inches, housed in a patterned paper-covered box, 7.25 x 5.25 x 1", with color lithograph mounted to the lid. Bottom of the box advertises "The Popular and Unique Game of Kerion." Box is slightly misshapen with typical rubbing wear to edges and some scuffing to the lithograph label, light fingersoil to cards. 10 of 11 are neatly completed with color thread, generally Very Good.