Pair of J.L. Hammett Co. Boston Early Froebel Gift #4 Kindergarten Blocks (Set of 2) antique polychrome head features a chip carved pattern

features a chip carved pattern on the front which I think might be meant to represent a sprig of Spruce

(Clearly he's built for scissors a bit smaller than the large ones I photographed him with

with this great blue dress

and the font on the capital letters

Pair of J.L. Hammett Co. Boston Early Froebel Gift #4 Kindergarten Blocks (Set of 2) antique polychrome head features a chip carved patternYou know I'm a huge fan of early Froebel designed kindergarten materials, and will snatch them up whenever I find them. These J. L Hammett Boston sets both complete "Gift 4" sets, comprised of eight rectangular blocks of the same size precede the Milton Bradley ones; the Hammett company was formed in 1863 by John Hammett, credited with inventing the chalkboard eraser, as well as "slating paint" that extended the life of classroom slates. In 1890,