This lot consists of two attractive late 19th-century puzzle maps of the United States. Both contain all pieces and intact boxes, which feature two different depictions of Miss Columbia (female personification of the United States) instructing a Native American. McLoughlin Bros., Inc. was a New York publishing firm that pioneered the systematic use of color printing technologies in children's books, particularly between 1858 and 1920. The firm's publications served to popularize illustrators including Thomas Nast, William Momberger, Justin H. Howard, Palmer Cox, and Ida Waugh. By 1886, the firm published a wide range of items including cheap scrapbooks, large folio picture books, linen books, puzzles, games and paper dolls. It is rare to find nineteenth century puzzles with all pieces and in good condition.

A. Dissected Map of the United States, circa 1880 (21.5 x 15.2"). This an early and less common McLoughlin jigsaw puzzle. The recto contains a printed color map of the United States depicting both Indian Territory and Dakota Territory, while the verso contains a double-hemisphere world map in black & white. Complete with 53 pieces and box but no paper map guide. Condition: Puzzle pieces have some light foxing and soiling. Box is sturdy with some chips to the paper label along the edges and box sides. (B)

B. A New Dissected Map of the United States, dated 1887 (13.3 x 8.8"). This map also shows Indian Territory and an undivided Dakota Territory. Complete with 28 pieces, paper map guide and box. Condition: Puzzle is mostly clean and bright with a bit of soiling along the edges. Guide map is also very good. Box is sturdy with some small chips along the edges. (B+)

References: Williams (The Jigsaw Puzzle) pp. 26-27.

Condition:

See description above.