1880s–1890s Knapp "Electric Automatic Instructor"

Item Details

An Electric Automatic Instructor game, manufactured by the Knapp Electric & Novelty Co. of New York circa the late 1880s. This electric toy resembles a wooden school desk with a metal bell at the top in place of the inkwell, and includes various illustrated question-and-answer cards which fit over the small brass pins protruding from the hinged desktop; the desk is wired switchboard-style such that the bell rings when the attached key and pointer are touched to a question and its corresponding answer. The instruction sheet attached to the underside of the desktop reads ‘Knapp Electric & Novelty Co. 34 Warren Street, New York. Sole Manufacturers of The Electric Automatic Instructor. (Patented June, 1885. Improved June, 1887).’, and a label inside reads ‘Electric Automatic Instructor. Patented June 2d, 1885. Improved October 1st, 1888. No. 407’.

Condition

- nicks and scratches to wood; rust spots to bell; not verified for completeness; untested.

Dimensions

Item #

18DEN009-270