Yum! As far as beautiful wooden toys that have become icons of modern design, I think it doesn't get any better than these blocks, one of the first toys designed by renowned Swiss carpenter and designer Kurt Naef (1926–2006) in 1954. While these highly collectible blocks continue to be produced in a smaller set of 16 today, these are the real, rare deal--a complete original set of 18 with gold foil stamp on one of the red blocks. Just gorgeous, and I have not found another original set out there for sale--just in design museum collections!
The diagonal cuts on the opposite sides of the blocks allow for exciting creative construction possibilities, including dramatic cantilevering and top-heavy towers; I keep thinking of Safdie's Habitat 67 in Montreal! The form of the blocks also allows for easily sliding one out along the groove without disrupting the rest of the structure. And the colors - orange, green, red and blue--are saturated and really almost jewel like.
Each block measures about 2"x2"x2". All are in very good vintage condition. No box--but why would you ever put these away???