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Sold: Children’s Make-Dos

Pair of early children’s books / paper with hand coloring /  c. 1830s

 

Two early American children’s books with make-do repairs, each printed in the 1830s. “The Two Yellow Birds,” published in Providence, Rhode Island by Geo. P. Daniels in 1838, and “Infantine Ditties,” also Providence, by Cory, Marshall and Hammond in 1830. Each of the books was painstakingly repaired, perhaps by a mother to ensure they held together for several children to enjoy (maybe even grandchildren, given the year 1865 is penciled in an inner cover). The yellow book is carefully stitched up across the center to repair a tear, while the orange has been rebound with thread. The books are each “Embellished with Cuts” with wonderful images, a number of which are apparently hand-colored in “Infantine Ditties.” 

Wonderful and rare ephemera documenting childhood (and Yankee thrift) in early 19th century America.

 

Condition

Timeworn and well-read, dogeared corners, repairs, both stable condition.

 

Measurements

“Infantine Ditties”
6.25 inches x 4 inches
“Yellow Birds”
5.5 inches x 3.25 inches

 

Shipping

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