A Variety Show: Revolving Pictures for Young People
Publisher: Carl Schaller No. 603
Date: 1885 - 1890
Format: Softcover
Features: 4 movable pictures via a volvelle turning wheel with printed story text to versos.
Dimensions: 14cm x 14cm
Description:
Presenting an exceedingly rare ninetwwnth century softcover movable, "A Variety Show: Revolving Pictures for Young People," published and printed in Germany by Carl Schaller circa 1885. This charming booklet contains four color-printed leaves with cut-out windows that display revolving images. Each image is printed on circular paper plates, affixed with rivets. The plates are mounted within the leaves. A story in English is printed on the verso of each movable. Notably, the publisher's logo, Carl Schaller, adorns the bottom of the second movable.
Still well bound in its original printed paper wrappers and stapled as issued, this square 12mo booklet is previously unrecorded. It's the first softcover Schaller that we have seen. Mvable books bearing the imprint of the Carl Schaller logo are believed to have been published between 1885 and 1890, making this edition a significant collectible. Schaller movable books are exceptionally rare today, and this particular title has surfaced for the first time, previously unseen and unrecorded. Unrecorded in any bibliographies or library catalogs, and previously unseen by us in both public and private collections, this book stands as a unique example of a 19th century Schaller movable, making it an exceptionally rare and significant find.
Condition:
The wrappers are holding but exhibit brittleness, with splits along the spine and chipping at the extremities.
The title page is also brittle with minor chips to the outer edges.
The contents are slightly toned but overall in great condition, despite the twin layers of the second leaf being separated.
The fourth plate is missing its revolving disc.
Collector's Corner:
Identifying these books can be challenging, as the firm often employed only its logo for publishing information.
Please see the Movable Book History section of this websirte for more information about Carl Schaller and his previous firm Schaller & Kirn