"Dissected Map of the United States", McLoughlin Bros.

This an early and less common McLoughlin complete wooden jigsaw puzzle. The recto contains a printed color map of the United States showing both Indian Territory and Dakota Territory, while the verso contains a double-hemisphere world map in black & white. The box cover illustration features a female representation of America teaching geography to a young Indian maiden. This appears to be the premium box, as it is constructed of wood with paper labels. 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 scrapbooks, large folio picture books, linen books, puzzles, games and paper dolls. A nice puzzle in its original wooden box.

References: Williams [The Jigsaw Puzzle] pp. 25-27.

Condition: B

The puzzle pieces are very good with some light staining. Guide map is surprisingly clean and bright, but with numerous fold separations that have been closed on verso with archival tape. Box is heavily worn with the box top somewhat loose but still intact.