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Noah's Arks

Noah’s Ark, 166 Passenger List, Erzgebirge, Germany for the American Market
Perfect Display Size Ark with Nicely Paired Passengers
Date/Period: C. 4^th Q 19^th Century - SOLD

Noah’s Ark, 166 Passenger List, Erzgebirge, Germany for the American Market Perfect Display Size Ark with Nicely Paired Passengers, entire view

Additional Information: In 19th century America, Sunday was often a dreaded long day
for children, and even more for parents who managed energetic but bored children
through the religious routine. When the Noah's Ark Toy and learning tool was accepted
by the church elders as appropriate Sunday study for children, Sunday became easier
for everyone. Instead of sitting through long sermons, quiet periods, and other church
ceremonies, the children could instead take Bible Study classes learning about The
Great Flood, Noah's Journey, animals and birds of the world, and wherever a child's
imagination may wander. Many of these animals had only recently become known to
the Western Culture through Livingstone's African Discoveries and writings. The Noah's
Ark toys originated in the Erzgebirge region of Germany, and once accepted by many
strict churches in Europe in the mid-19th century the practice quickly spread to
America. These Noah's Ark sets represent the evolution of church practices and social
culture in mainstream
Western Religion and are a history lesson in three dimensions.

This well played-with example features a late 19th Century 21" Ark with a storage
compartment accessed via a fold-up roof, where the animals, birds and humans were
meant to rest during play periods. This made a very convenient tool for both use and
storage. The Ark is nicely painted with a typical stenciled facade and is in excellent
condition. The total of 166 passengers includes 3 humans, 48 birds (in pairs), 113
animals (in pairs plus a sole cat), and 3 crickets. Perfect display for any children's
playthings, or a holiday or religious presentation. Take a good look at the pictures and
use your imagination.

Measurements: Ark: 21." x 13" x 5.5" Humans: 3”; Elephant: h-2.5”; L-3.5”; w-1”:
others sized by comparison

Material: Wood, Polychrome Paint

Condition: Ark retains nice paint with minor imperfections Passengers are played with
and some lost an ear, leg, or whatever...better than drowning in the flood!! Perfect nice
set for display. Many possibilities with so many nice pairs of animals and birds.

SOLD

977-79