Although lovingly played with, this antique box retains its original set of Victorian era wood block puzzles, each of six sides having a different illustration to solve and arrange in order. The theme is children together and at play and in all, there are six puzzles.

While the six-sided blocks with paper illustrations are in good condition, the box itself has lost some of the wood frame that guides the sliding wood cover and two of the blocks have holes punched through just one image side..  The sliding lid can be put into place with some slight maneuvering.  The underside of the wood lid is covered in the original light purple paper, as is the underside of the storage box.  There is some moisture staining to the paper on the bottom of the box and the whole piece measures  13 1/2" x  10" x  2 1/2" .

Victorian life, with its mind on manners and propriety, brough about the need for many tools of etiquette, from skirt lifters and grape scissors, to the practice of hand-written notes for an endless list of thoughts, messages and thank-you's. Since writing was as common as walking back then, a much needed accessory was a miniature writing desk that could be moved around the home or taken on travels, so to always have writing necessities handy.

This convenient mini-desk with compartments was stocked with stationery, note paper and envelopes, possibly a calendar and postcards, maybe a photo of a loved one, and of course a pen, letter opener and other penmanship tools. This one, which has a pivoting lid that drops to reveal all the goodies inside, is covered in red fabric, and the words “Papeterie, A MA POUPEE” printed in gold letterring on the front. It has a metal latch and even the top surface pivots up to expose the multi-compartments. The red fabric has a moisture spot on the top side but overall is in excellent condition. It measures 4 1/2” wide, 3” tall, and 2” deep, perfect size for your courteous fashion lady.