McLoughlin Brothers: McLoughlin Bros., Inc. was a New York publishing firm active between 1858 and 1920. The company was a pioneer in color printing technologies in children’s books. Reference: Wikipedia
In addition to children’s books, McLoughlin also produced games which required lithography such as puzzles and educational games. They were also renown for their paper dolls.
Below are some examples and price guides of games made by McLoughlin Brothers including a block puzzle of a fire engine and a set of rare American paper dolls.
McLoughlin Brothers Maker’s Mark
Group of six 19th century toys , including McLoughlin Brothers Chiromagica circa 1875, in its original large wooden box, two attractive sets of pictorial blocks housed in the original boxes, etc.; Together with the Palestine Museum Cabinet in its original case, circa 1890, with the booklet; And two charming 19th century friendship albums in highly decorative cases. Condition varies
Sold for $687 (includes buyer’s premium) at Doyle in 2013
McLoughlin Bros. fire engine puzzle block set. In original box. Together with Peter Thomson box with fire engine lithograph. 12.5 x 9 x 3 in.
Sold for $220 at Tremont Auctions in 2021
War at Sea Collection United States, circa 1898–1910 A McLoughlin Board Game, featuring a late 19th century three-funnel battleship on cover, which opens to reveal integrated board game with hinged storage for tokens. Together with three American Dayton battleship hillclimbers fitted with friction powered motors. Blue and white Dayton example may have been made by Schieble .
Sold for 1,125 USD at Sotheby’s in 2010
RARE AMERICAN PAPER DOLL “THE AMERICAN LADY” BY MCLOUGHLIN
6″ (15 cm.) Posed semi-profile, the lady has six gowns, cape and two bonnets, the gowns designed to slip over her head and body. Along with cover of original envelope with indication “Parlor Amusement for Little Girls, “The American Lady with Something to Wear”. Very good condition. McLoughlin Bros, circa 1857.
Sold for $650 at Theriault’s
Goody Two Shoes Spelling Game, Reading Made Easy Spelling Set 1870-1880 (manufactured)
A plain wooden box with lid which has a coloured picture pasted on the surface showing children playing with the game together with its title and the maker’s name. The base of the box is divided up into twenty compartments which hold 155 letters and numbers marked in black on small pieces of wood. Each is coloured white on one side and orange on the other. The inside of the lid is divided into four rows into which the letters and numbers can be placed. With the game is a booklet titled Spelling Block Lessons which lists proverbs and wise sayings and is intended to be copied using the letters.
Reference: © Victoria and Albert Museum
