Jigsaw puzzle:bear in dunce cap

McLoughlin Brothers of New York City was one of the country's first successful printing houses devoted, at first, to children's books. The firm began in 1828 and expanded to include jigsaw puzzles, blocks, games, and valentines during the 1850s and 1860s. Known for mastery in chromolithography, or color printing with stone plates, McLoughlin's images on games and puzzles were bright and lively. Besides traditional illustrations of children's stories, rhymes, and maps, McLoughlin printed subjects that glorified the growing industrial spirit of the United States. Puzzles showing locomotives, steamships, and airships found their way into lucky children's hands during the later 19th century.

On the reverse of the box for this McLoughlin puzzle, "Aunt Edna" inscribed it to "Martin," probably for Christmas around the year1900.