Block numbered in two places: 9246, also 1779 on small adhesive label on back of block., Image of a man and a woman sitting on wooden chairs in front of a mantel; the woman wears a bonnet or mob cap and regards the bearded man, who holds a small child on his lap; the child stands and reaches for the man’s hair., Signed: R.G.J. Sc., “Grot[tentha]ler” – Back of block. Vincent Grottenthaler is listed (as a dealer in boxwood) in Philadelphia city directories from 1867 to 1876., Wood engraving (Process), End-grain blocks.
Block numbered in two places: 5364., Image of a three llamas in a natural setting, one in the foreground, two next to each other in the background., “N.J. Wemmer. 5 Pear St. Phila.” -- Back of block. Nelson J. Wemmer is listed (as an artist) at this address in Philadelphia city directories from 1848 to 1856.
Block numbered in two places: 4694., Image of a man sitting and writing., Back of block partially obscured by pasted-down paper; paper partially obscures impression of N.J. Wemmer [?].
Block numbered in two places: 7200., Image of a girl in a street, standing beside a lamp post and looking down at a paper she holds in one hand, which may read “Blessed need”; two boys kneel on the ground and face each other with hands outstretched, perhaps playing marbles., "V. Grottenthaler, 402 Library St Phila." – Back of block. Vincent Grottenthaler is listed (as a dealer in boxwood) at this address in Philadelphia city directories from 1869 to 1876.
Block numbered in two places: 7903, also 1901 on small adhesive label on back of block., Image of a map including the regions labeled Persia, Parthia, Media, Elam, Assyria, Media, and Armenia.
Block numbered in two places: 1408., Image of men lecturing a large group of boys in an interior setting. Most of the children are sitting on benches, and there are at least three adults scattered throughout the room instucting the children. The adults and some of the children have books in their hands. One of the boys is standing up, and appears to be being reprimanded by an adult., ‘Thou Shalt Not Steal’ -- appears in a box in the upper corner of the block., Block has been damaged, and has cracks in multiple places., Signed in reverse: G.G. [i.e., George Gilbert?]
Block numbered in two places: 6460, also 1212 on small adhesive label on back of block., Image of a woman standing on a porch, leaning on a railing with one hand and shielding her eyes by holding the other hand at her forehead; she regards a man who walks away from her, wearing a hat and holding a bucket in one hand., “M.S. [obscured] 34” – Inscribed on back of block., “[Willies?] [?] – Inscribed on side of block., Illustration appears in New book of two hundred pictures, p. 10.
Back of block partially obscured by pasted-down paper., Image of two seated women who appear to be playing tambourines, possibly in a graveyard., Illustration appears in The pictorial Sunday book: designed for the use of families, Bible classes, and Sunday School teachers: derived principally from the manners and customs of the Jews ; the rites, traditions, and antiquities, of eastern nations, explanatory of many portions of the Old and New Testaments together with interesting descriptions of the principal places mentioned in the Bible, illustrated by numerous landscape scenes, from sketches taken on the spot (New York, 1846), p. 322. Caption of illustration - "Mourning women.", Tape (inscribed “1832”) on obverse., Back of block partially obscured by pasted-down paper.
Block numbered in two places: 5935, also numbered 70 in two places, now defaced., Image of an old man and a young boy. The boy is sitting on the old man’s knee, in an interior setting. There are books on the shelves behind the chair., Signed in reverse: Van Ingen Snyder [i.e., Van Ingen & Snyder], Van Ingen & Snyder, a partnership between William H. Van Ingen and Henry M. Snyder, was active between 1853 and 1871., “N.J. Wemmer. 5 Pear St. Phila.” -- Back of block. Nelson J. Wemmer is listed (as an artist) at this address in Philadelphia city directories from 1848 to 1856., Back of block partially obscured by pasted-down paper.
Block numbered in two places: 8270., Image of a boy kneeling in an interior setting. He appears to be playing with a clock, and looks frightened or scared. Nearby in the room, there is a large globe.
Block numbered in three places: 7864., Image of a falcon [?] perched on a rock in a natural setting. In the distant background, numerous birds are in flight.
Block numbered in two places: 9021, also 1460 on small adhesive label on back of block., Image of a woman and a girl indoors; the woman enters from or stands in front of a doorway, and places her hand on the girl’s shoulder; the girl sits at a desk with her hands clasped and two or three closed books in front of her; the room’s carpet has a circular design, and the walls have crown molding, suggesting that it may be an elaborate or well-furnished room; two large paintings hang on the walls., Back of block partially obscured by pasted-down paper.
Block numbered in two places: 3898, also 172 on small adhesive label on back of block., Image of two girls and a boy; the younger girl reaches up toward the older girl, who points or extends her hand toward the boy; the boy extends a ball in his hand; a small racket or paddle lies on the ground.
Block numbered in two places: 1976., Image of a hawk and its three chicks. The hawk is in flight with one of its chicks, and the other two are in the nest.
Block numbered in one place: 3476, also 620 on small adhesive label on back of block., Image of a hand inserting a rectangular envelope into a slot with a sign that says “Letter Box”; the part of the block where the letter should be is cut out of the block completely from front to back, suggesting that there may be multiple replaceable blocks that fit into this block for different uses.
Block numbered in two places: 3643., Image of a rabbit in a natural setting, and a man with a gun in the background., Tape (inscribed “629”) on obverse., Back of block partially obscured by pasted-down paper.
Block numbered in two places: 5915, also numbered 136 in two places., Image of a man, two children and a dog. The man is looking towards what appears to be a church, but the children are looking at the dog in an outdoor setting., Illustration appears in The thunder-storm (Philadelphia, between 1857 and 1870?), p. 127. This title was listed in American Sunday-School Union catalogues from Jan. 1857 to at least 1870; it was not listed in 1893. Caption of illustration -- "My faithful Plato.", “Church dog” -- inscribed on back of block., “N.J. Wemmer. 5 Pear St. Phila." -- Back of block. Nelson J. Wemmer is listed (as an artist) at this address in Philadelphia city directories from 1848 to 1856., Signed in reverse: VanIngen-Snyder. Van Ingen & Snyder, a partnership between William H. Van Ingen and Henry M. Snyder, was active between 1853 and 1871., Tape (inscribed “Van Ingen Snyder”) on side of block.
Block numbered in two places: 6204, also 1417 on small adhesive label on back of block., Image of a boy selling books (Bibles?) in the street, carrying a tray suspended around his neck while extending one to a man looking on; several other people are gathered around, including women wearing cloth headdresses resembling wimples., “N.J. Wemmer 215 Pear St. Phila” – Back of block. Boxwood dealer Nelson J. Wemmer is listed at this address in Philadelphia city directories from 1861 to 1876., “Am.S.S.U” – Back of block in three places., “Italy. Buy the light, the true light” – Inscribed on side of block.
Block numbered in one place: 6450, also 1269 on small adhesive label on back of block., Image of a seated man pointing toward a standing boy and holding a walking stick in his other hand; to their side is a table which has what appears to be a propped-up book on it., “Every man his own fortune-teller” – Inscribed on back of block.
Block numbered in two places: 5902., Image of a man talking to two children, a boy and a girl, in an interior setting. The boy appears to be holding a hammer [?] and is handing something to the man., Signed in reverse: Van Ingen-Snyder [i.e. Van Ingen & Snyder], Van Ingen & Snyder, a partnership between William H. Van Ingen and Henry M. Snyder, was active between 1853 and 1871., “Flaw” -- inscribed on back of block., “N.J. Wemmer. 5 Pear St. Phila.” -- Back of block. Nelson J. Wemmer is listed (as an artist) at this address in Philadelphia city directories from 1848 to 1856.
Block numbered in two places: 3552, also 1220 on small adhesive label on back of block., Image of a Native-American woman wearing a dress and a long shawl, which she pulls closed with one hand; behind her is a tipi; a pointing man wearing a feather headdress and a seated man or boy are also behind her and regard something in the distance., Illustration appears in History of the Delaware and Iroquois Indians formerly inhabiting the middle states, with various anecdotes, illustrating their manners and customs. (Philadelphia, 1832), frontispiece.
Block numbered in three places: 7796., Image of interior of Independence Hall, Philadelphia; male and female visitors include one black woman. Two decorative rondelles in corners depict a statue of George Washington and the Liberty Bell, flanking an eagle., Signed: Lauderbach, sc.; S [i.e., Seymour?]., Illustration appears in Child's world, v. 33, no. 3 (Feb., 1876?), p. 1.
Block numbered in two places: 6132., Image of a woman and child walking; woman gestures to a building in the distance., "The Dark Places Frontisp."—Inscribed on side of block., “N.J. Wemmer 215 Pear St. Phila” – Back of block. Boxwood dealer Nelson J. Wemmer is listed at this address in Philadelphia city directories from 1861 to 1876., Side of block partially obscured by pasted-down paper.
Block numbered in two places: 4644., Image of a man in a uniform speaking with a man on a horse; man in uniform gesturing behind himself; house shown in distance., “N.J. Wemmer. 5 Pear St. Phila.” -- Back of block. Nelson J. Wemmer is listed (as an artist) at this address in Philadelphia city directories from 1848 to 1856., Side of block partially obscured by pasted-down paper.
Block numbered in two places: 1668., Image of a well-dressed man in a top hat speaking to two young boys, one on either side of him. One of the boys has put his hands in the air., Tape (inscribed “341”) on obverse.
Block numbered in two places: 7893., Image of two eagles [?], both perched on branches in a natural setting. One eagle is in the foreground, and one is the background.
Block numbered in two places: 6572, also 369 on small adhesive label on back of block., Image of two girls looking at each other; one looks out an open window and rests her hand on the railing across what appears to be a small balcony; the other girl rests one hand on the edge of the same railing and holds a basket in her other hand, with feet on two different stairs of a small stoop., “N.J. Wemmer 215 Pear St. Phila” – Back of block. Boxwood dealer Nelson J. Wemmer is listed at this address in Philadelphia city directories from 1861 to 1876., “Maggie + Bessie Frontispiece M.S. p. 3.”
Block numbered in two places: 3282., Image of a vulture in a natural setting with pyramids in the background., Illustration appears in The Union spelling book (Philadelphia, 1838), p.14., Inscribed on the side of the block: 'V' and ‘ed. Spel. Book.’
Block numbered in two places: 3659., Image of two boys regarding each other; the boys stand under a sign that reads “Express Office,” and stand with backs turned, but look at each other over their shoulders; one boy wears a coat and holds a cane, and the other wears an apron and carries a package over his shoulder.
Block numbered in one place: 3163., Image of Moses seated, holding the Ten Commandments while rays of light shine on him., Illustration appears in Four Seasons, Child's home library series no. 10 (Philadelphia, between 1857 and 1870?), p.13., Illustration also appears in James and Sisters, Child's home library series no. 11, (Philadelphia, between 1857 and 1870?), p. 7., Illustration also appears in Man lost and saved (Philadelphia, between 1857 and 1907?), p. 8. This title was listed in American Sunday-School Union catalogues from Jan. 1853 to at least 1893., Back of block partially obscured by pasted-down paper.
Block numbered in at least one place: 7148., Image of two martin birds in an exterior setting. One bird is perched on a nest, the other is in flight., Illustration appears in The Swallows of Leigh Farm : a story for children (Philadelphia, 1893?), p. 11. This title was listed in the American Sunday-School Union catalogue for 1893. Caption of illustration -- "The Window Martins.", Back of block partially obscured by pasted-down paper.
Block numbered in one place: 3748., Image of a man resting his head on one of his hands, appearing to be in deep thought. The man’s other hand holds a watch., Tape (inscribed “934”) on obverse., Back of block partially obscured by pasted-down paper.
Block numbered in two places: 86., Image of two birds in a natural setting., Back of block partially obscured by pasted-down paper., , Provenance:, , Variant:
Block numbered in one place: 6391, also 1278 on small adhesive label on back of block., Image of a girl inside a gated yard watching a man, a boy, and a girl ride down the street on horses; buildings are visible in the background., Back of block obscured by pasted-down paper.
Block numbered in seven places (two imprinted, five written): 6485., Image of a girl and a boy leaning over an animal, likely a dog, lying on the ground; there are trees and a house or cabin in the background., “V.W. & Co. [i.e., Vanderburgh, Wells & Co., boxwood dealers] 18 Dutch St. N.Y.” – Back of block., “Harsh words” – Inscribed on side of block.
Block numbered in two places: 5983., Image of a man in European garb who appears to be watching a group of Native Americans, in a natural setting., “Brainerd [unintelligible] the [unintelligible] Indians” -- inscribed on side of block. [i.e. David Brainerd?], “N.J. Wemmer & Son. 215 Pear St. Phila.” -- stamped twice on back of block. Boxwood dealer Nelson J. Wemmer is listed at this address in Philadelphia city directories from 1861 to 1876.
Block numbered in two places: 7369., Image of a standing man holding his hat behind him in one hand and the hand of a seated woman in the other; the woman sits in a large chair with a large shawl around her dress; another woman looks on while a young girl sitting in a small rocking chair looks upward attentively while holding a book in her lap; in the background are shelf or mantel with a vase of flowers and a clock, an empty or obscured frame, and an open window., Signed: Jasper Green, sc. Jasper Green is listed as an engraver in the Philadelphia city directory for 1872., “N.J. Wemmer. 215 Pear St. Phila.” – Back of block. Boxwood dealer Nelson J. Wemmer is listed at this address in Philadelphia city directories from 1861 to 1876., Image appears in Ruth Allerton, the missionary’s daughter, illustration beside p. 209.
Block numbered in two places: 7184, also 53 on small adhesive label on back of block., Image of a group of people gathered in or outside a building, under and beside a tall arch beside a column; most of the people appear to be men, but one woman stands before a mule, holding the hand of a small child; one figure on a worse in the back of the group draws a sword; the clothing suggests a historical setting , possibly Medieval or Renaissance., "V. Grottenthaler, 402 Library St Phila." – Back of block. Vincent Grottenthaler is listed (as a dealer in boxwood) at this address in Philadelphia city directories from 1869 to 1876., “Sister Rose Pg. 117” – Inscribed on back of block.
Block numbered in two places: 7106, also 8006 [?] in two places (both defaced), and 1385 on small adhesive label on back of block., Image of a lion attaching a man (or boy) in a rocky landscape; one of his arms is in the lion's mouth; he holds a small knife in his other hand; a small animal (possibly a lamb) appears to be beside him., 'N.J. Wemmer 215 Pear St. Phila" Back of block. Boxwood dealer Nelson J. Wemmer is listed at this address in Philadelphia city directories from 1861 to 1876.
Block numbered in two places: 6007., Image of a woman who appears to be cooking in a pot over the stove; a cat stands at her feet; four children of varying ages sit at a table with mugs and bowls. Shelves hold plates and mugs., “N.J. Wemmer. 215 Pear St. Phila.” – Back of block. Boxwood dealer Nelson J. Wemmer is listed at this address in Philadelphia city directories from 1861 to 1876., Illustration appears in Child's world, v. 1, no. 10 (May, 1862), p. 5.
Block numbered in two places: 5693., Image of the head of a lion., “Lion’s Head” – inscribed on side of block., Illustration appears in The Lake and the desert, or, Missionary adventures in southern Africa (Philadelphia, between 1864 to 1870?), opp. p. 129. The Lake and the desert was listed in American Sunday-School Union catalogues from 1864 to at least 1870., Illustration also appears in Child's world, vol. 32 no. 22 (1875), p. 2., Illustration also appears in Child's world, vol. 4 no. 16, p. 4., Tape (inscribed “95”) on obverse.
Block numbered in two places: 7118, also 8018 in two places (both defaced)., Image of nine small illustrations; in the first four a squirrel retrieves and then drops a nut; in the next five a tree grows where the nut was dropped, and the tree is cut for wood used to construct a church., "V. Grottenthaler, 402 Library St Phila." – Back of block. Vincent Grottenthaler is listed (as a dealer in boxwood) at this address in Philadelphia city directories from 1869 to 1876., Illustration appears in Child's world, v. 27 no 7 (1870), p. 1.
Block numbered in two places: 4984., Image of a turtle in a natural setting., "Spel. Book. Turtle." -- Inscribed on one side of block., “N.J. Wemmer. 5 Pear St. Phila." -- Back of block. Nelson J. Wemmer is listed (as an artist) at this address in Philadelphia city directories from 1848 to 1856.
Block numbered in one place: 6930., Image of a rooster that appears to be holding another bird in its beak. There are other birds in flight overhead., Back of block partially obscured by pasted-down paper.
Block numbered in two places: 3275., Image of an owl in a natural setting., Illustration appears in The Union spelling book (Philadelphia, 1838), p.11.
Block numbered in two places: 3682., Image of one girl placing her hand on the shoulder of a girl sitting on a bench; the seated girl covers part of her face with one hand; there is a broom leaning on the wall beside the bench.