Richter's Anchor Blocks No. 10A construction set, c. 1905, Germany

Richter's Anchor Blocks (Anker Steinbaukasten) construction set No. 10A, manufactured by F. Ad. Richter & Co. in Rudolstadt, Germany, at the beginning of the 20th century.

History: Anchor blocks were the world's first modular construction toys, made from a mixture of quartz sand, chalk, and linseed oil. This 10A (Mehlis) model is a supplement set designed to expand the basic system. The lid features a detailed lithograph including the gold medals awarded at the 1900 Paris and 1904 St. Louis World Fairs.

Technical details:
- Period: Circa 1904-1910.
- Technique: Pressed artificial stone in three colors (brick red, sandstone beige, slate blue).
- Box dimensions: 32.5 x 23.5 x 4.5 cm (12.8 x 9.2 x 1.8 inches).
- Material: Composite stone, pine wood, and lithographed paper.
- Condition: Contents approximately 90% complete. The wooden box shows slight structural wear and natural patina. The exterior and interior lithographs retain legible colors with minor signs of age-related abrasion.

Value: An important piece for collectors of pedagogical toys and historical architecture. The Anchor system is renowned for its geometric precision and realistic weight, simulating stone constructions to scale.