Item Details:

BLISS MINIATURE UPRIGHT 2-OCTAVE PIANO WITH GLOCKENSPIEL CHIMES

R. BLISS MANUFACTURING CO., RHODE ISLAND

EARLY AMERICAN TOY, LATE 19th-EARLY 20th CENTURY

Chromolithographed Paper on Wood, Metal, Chimes

Size: 16.5 11.5 x 8.5 in; 41.9 x 29.2 x 21.2 cm

Signed prominently on the front 

Rufus Bliss founded the Rhode Island based R. Bliss Manufacturing Co. in 1832. The company produced wooden clamps and screws for piano and cabinet making. It began producing toys in the early 1870s.

Bliss was recognized for the preciseness of his designs. The company became well known for its bright and crisp lithograph paper applied to its wooden toys. It used only seasoned wood, reasoning that none of the items would warp after they were fabricated. Both of these factors ensured that many of Bliss's toys remain in good condition today.

R. Bliss Manufacturing Co. made building blocks, trains, archery sets, and other toys along as well as the ships and dollhouses for which it was known. Bliss began to produce board games in 1889, many of which boasted a western theme. The company produced thirteen board games in total. Because of the efficiency of both the construction and coloring process, their toys were affordable. They could be purchased in toy stores and through catalogs.