Play-Things (Playthings)
Akron, Ohio: S. H. Kohler & Co; 1908, assumed 1st, Kohler's Felt Books, "The original felt books"; center sewn self binding with 10 interior pages; 5.25x8.5" Toploader medium cloth.
A full colour illustration of two children building a sandcastle with a bright blue sky and ocean (or Lake Erie?) in the background. Inside are two-colour or multi-colour pictures of common objects for a baby to name, with a purpose on each page "For digging in the sand". These quiet felt books, originally planned for four sets totalling 14 books, were apparently not successful commercially. They are uncommon today. This is the brightest one I have ever seen as the covers tend to dull when exposed to light over the years. According to the folded paper note inserted by the original owner on Sept 1967, this was a 1907 baby gift from Aunts Florence and Grace in Ohio. It was clearly stored away from the light and never used.
CONDITION: Very Good Plus; 1907 Christmas inscription at inside gutter to Kenneth Robinson, unusually nice condition for a felt book: the off white background on the cover is almost the same as the interior pages and the back is a warm tan. Someone appears to have carefully traced over the Co. statement, and there are tiny traces (not visible in image) of an attempted signature on the front, not erased and perhaps never clear. Item #22652
Price: $250.00