block: ABC XL

A set of alphabet blocks from J. H. Singer of New York provides an early example of a multi-purpose toy. Printed paper images are fixed to four of the six sides of each block, with different images on each. For example, one side of each block has a soldier, so a child may form a line of toy soldiers. Another side is printed with letters and illustrations of the alphabet. The remaining two sides are printed with animal fables and caricatures of people, each requiring three blocks to complete.