The best known (and highly coveted) blocks by S.L. Hill (NYC) are alphabet blocks from the 2nd half of the 19th century, some flat and double sided; others cubes, and the most striking of them incorporating the same rich red as these. Founded in the 1850s, Hill was the first American manufacturer to produce blocks in mass quantity, and in the 1860s expanded to include building blocks among its offerings, which I believe is the decade when these were made. I had never seen a set of these before, and can't find very another out there online anywhere, just a few references and a few stray blocks. I believe these are meant to construct "City Hall", and that originally there was a triangular block or two reading "City Hall" that would sit on top--and indeed, the architectural details bear a close resemblance to New York's City Hall, built 1803-1812 in Lower Manhattan.
I think the color on these--yellow on one side and red on the other, with several different architectural elements distinct to each color-- is just phenomenal, and the quality of printed detail spectacular. And though there may be a few pieces missing, they're in fantastic shape and I could really look at these fields of windows and doors all day!
48 blocks. All pictured included. Blocks measure 1 7/8” x 1 13/16” x 5/8”. Excellent antique condition, absent original box.
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