This toy is designed to teach preschool children letters and numbers. The set includes nine cards for digits and 26 cards for letters of the alphabet. The top of each card shows either a number written out in letters and a corresponding number of objects (e.g., the number "ONE" and one pencil) or a capital letter and a familiar object whose name begins with that letter (e.g., B and a blackboard). On the lower part of the card are a scattered array of either digits (e.g., 1, 3, 7) or small letters (e.g., b, m, d). A red plastic stand with an array of holes in it fits over the bottom of a card. It reveals only the digit or letter that corresponds to the picture above.
A mark on the remnant of the cover of the box reads: ASSORTED PICTURE FLASH CARDS. A second mark reads: No. 301. A third mark reads: BAR-ZIM MANUFACTURING CO., JERSEY CITY, N.J. A fourth mark reads: U.S. PAT. NO. 2,971,268. Individual cards are marked: THE (/) ROMPER (/) ROOM.
The design of the cards is based on a patent of Harry Zimmerman of New York, N.Y., (#2,971,268, applied for December 29, 1959, and granted February 14, 1961).
Our collection database is a work in progress. We may update this record based on further research and review. Learn more about our approach to sharing our collection online.
If you would like to know how you can use content on this page, see the Smithsonian's Terms of Use. If you need to request an image for publication or other use, please visit Rights and Reproductions.