LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD. - 1890

Complete with six chromolithograph jigsaws each with a separate scene from the fairy tale, each containing 24 pieces; together with six chromolithograph key plates - one used to decorate the box lid; a wooden frame [27 x 27 cm]; all contained in the original box [28 x 28 x 4 cm], fitted with six compartments and covered in red glazed paper, (an old repair using thread to one of the edges of the lid).A fine example of a fairy tale jigsaw, using the unusual device of having a frame so that the key sheets can be dropped in and the jigsaw constructed above.The fairly tale has been modified to avoid any blood thirsty events. The six scenes begin with 1) Little Red Riding Hood setting off from home with a basket of goodies for her grandmother, her mother warning her not to be distracted; 2) she meets the wolf in the dark wood telling the beast where she is going; 3) she picks some nice wild flowers for her grandmother, the wolf seen to run towards the grandmothers cottage; 4) the wolf running to the bell at the door of the cottage; 5) Little Red Riding Hood at her grandmothers bedside whilst the wolf lasciviously looks at the girl from under the blankets 6) a scene with the grandmother and Little Red Riding Hood celebrating with the Hunter, the wolf clearly dead and tied up at a tree whilst puppies play with the dead animal.The maker of this game was Adolf Sala of Berlin, who began his toy manufactory in 1845. He took advantage not only of the general increase in population but also the rise in rail and shipping traffic that allowed him to more easily ship his wares abroad. Sala was very interested in exploring the educational value of his toys and games and early on engaged none other than Friedrich Fröbel, who advised him in the manufacture of educational and development-supporting games.As with many toys of this period by German manufacturers, the colour printing is exceptional with fine detailing and shading of each of the scenes and box lid. Sala's name does not appear on the game although the style and construction are absolutely his work. It may, of course, have been produced through a commission for another toy outlet.