c1880 CHROMOLITHOGRAPH P.T. BARNUM\'S, JUMBO THE CIRCUS ELEPHANT PUZZLE, WITH ALPHABET PUZZLE ON REVERSE
ABSOLUTELY STUNNING ANTIQUE CHROMOLITHOGRAPH 24-PIECE PUZZLE (complete).P.T. Barnum\'s Jumbo the Circus Elephant puzzle on one side, and Animal themed alphabet puzzle on reverse.[No Place/ but most likely the United States]: [No Publisher], [No Date, but circa 1880]. First edition, original antique children\'s cardboard puzzle. 24-piece puzzle (complete), on very heavy cardboard, illustrated with incredibly detailed chromolithographs on both sides. Each puzzle piece measures 2 by 5 inches. When assembled the complete puzzle measures 12 by 20.5 inches (Jumbo), or 16 by 15 inches (ABC). The striking chromolithograph puzzle features a bizarre comic illustration of P.T. Barnum\'s \"Jumbo\" the circus elephant running rampant, in a street scene, impaling and throwing off men and children, while frantic villagers look on. Alphabet side features one letter per puzzle piece for the letters A-W, plus an XYZ piece. Each letter features a different animal and is accompanied rhyme.
\"Jumbo\" the Elephant was the star of P.T. Barnum\'s \"Greatest Show on Earth,\" where it is said he brought in the largest crowds in the history of the circus. He died tragically in 1885, when he was struck by a train.
An extremely rare puzzle, omitted from the standard references, and absent from the trade (and recent sale records).
The puzzle is complete and in very good condition. It does show some wear (consistent with age), with numerous tiny surface tears to the Jumbo side, one corner nicked, one piece creased (with slight crack to chromo) else quite nice, with the colors strong and bright.
We have been a family business for more than 30 years. We maintained a storefront in Amherst, MA for over 10 years, and we have been selling on for 2 decades.We focus on rare books, ephemera, early photography & vintage textiles.We pack carefully, ship quickly, and have thousands of happy customers.Our response speaks for itself, so purchase with confidence.
