Antique Dexterity Puzzle: “Lady in Red Hat”
$ 10.56
Description
Antique Dexterity Puzzle: “Lady in Red Hat”. The romantic, Gibson-Girl-inspired image is executed in delicate hand-coloured chromolithography against a deep midnight-blue ground. The task is to manoeuvre the two small balls into the lady’s visible eye and mouth. Antique Dexterity Puzzle: “Lady in Red Hat” German, circa 1905–1912 Description A refined and elegant Edwardian pocket dexterity puzzle featuring the profile portrait of a stylish young woman wearing a large, fashionable red hat with black plume and aigrette and a high-collared red coat. The romantic, Gibson-Girl-inspired image is executed in delicate hand-coloured chromolithography against a deep midnight-blue ground. The task is to manoeuvre the two small balls into the lady’s visible eye and mouth. Markings No markings visible on the rim (typical of many high-grade mirror-backed examples intended for the British and North American export markets). Materials Hand-coloured chromolithographed paper disc Two very small steel balls Flat glass cover Nickel-plated brass rim with milled “pie-crust” edge Reverse fitted with original mirror back (now showing considerable silvering loss and attractive antique spotting Dimensions Diameter: very small, about 1.25" Condition Glass intact with light surface scratches and one short, tight hairline at 9 o’clock (stable). Colours remain surprisingly strong for age, the reds still rich and the flesh tones warm. Paper image exhibits minor even toning and a few tiny spots, but remains fully legible and attractive. Rim with moderate plating wear and a couple of small edge knocks. Mirror reverse displays characteristic heavy oxidation and loss of silvering, yet retains a soft, atmospheric patina and is still partially reflective. Both balls original and functional. Historical Context & Significance This type is part of the earliest German mini-dexterity games, sometimes sold singly, sometimes attached to candy tins, sewing kits, or as small premiums. Produced in Nuremberg during the classic pre-World War I decade, this sophisticated “portrait” design belongs to the premium mirror-backed series that was considerably more expensive than standard puzzles and was marketed as a gentleman’s pocket novelty or ladies’ handbag amusement. The fashionable Gibson-Girl aesthetic and muted colour palette reflect the height of Edwardian taste, and such pieces were especially popular in Britain and the United States, often sold through better stationers and department stores. A scarce and beautifully evocative survivor, particularly desirable for its refined portrait subject and classic mirror-backed construction – one of the most elegant designs in the entire German dexterity-puzzle repertoire.
