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SCARCE G.A. Schwarz die-cast embossed metal Christmas Santa Dexterity Puzzle in Mint Museum-Quality Condition.
Early Advertising Piece!This rare pocket size dexterity puzzle features a beautiful design of a brown-coat Santa trudging through the snow carrying a Christmas tree over his shoulder with a picturesque village scene complete with a church steeple in the background. It measures 1.75” in circumference. Dates to c1885-c1905 and was manufactured in Germany (Nuremberg) for G.A. Schwarz, Philadelphia.
Gustav A. Schwarz was the brother of Frederick August Otto Schwarz, who founded the famous F.A.O. Schwarz in New York. Gustav operated a prominent toy store in Philadelphia. While most dexterity puzzles of this era have a mirror on the back side, this one has a rare advertising graphic for his luxury toy emporium at1006 Chestnut Street in Philadelphia.The graphic on the back with the address is the definitive trade mark used by Gustav A. Schwarz during the golden era of his toy store.
The unusual embossing of the Santa creates a raised slope on the game board, intentionally elevating the difficulty of maneuvering the 5 tiny white snowballs that are intended to go in the holes on the tree to appear like ornaments (see photo with balls in place). This is a rare crossover collectible that appeals to antique toy, Christmas, Advertising and Ephemera collectors. It is in excellent original condition-see all photos.This is a high-quality toy and has a premium metal embossed bezel rather than standard flat tin seen on most and it features pristine graphics on both the front and back, which represents the absolute highest tier for this specific novelty item. This is a very special toy for any antique Christmas collection and perfect to display with a Santa or in a sleigh. See all photos, it\'s a historic Christmas treasure!
Payment is expected at listing end. FreeUSPS Priority Insured Shipping with tracking.My items are always packed with extreme care and this tiny treasure will ship next business day following payment– No International Shipping. See my other listings and excellent response!
