[TATTOOS] [JUVENILE EPHEMERA] The Quodlibetical Transfer-Picture-Album containing a great variety of Beautful Transfer Pictures by [no author given] - 1885

[no place given - London? New York?]: [no publisher given], 1885. Accordion-style. Very good. Three transfer picture albums, bound accordion-style, each measuring about 4.5" x 3" (11.5cm x 7cm). Each volume contains a folded sheet of eight themed panels, which each contain six individual "Transfer pictures." When the pictures are unfolded and laid flat, they measure about 37" long altogether. These transfer pictures were designed for children to cut out and apply to paper (or general "articles", as noted on the rear wrap of each album, likely to the consternation of many parents). Of course, they could also be used as temporary tattoos, likely one of the earlier examples of the modern concept in Europe. The content is quite diverse, including animals, carriage scenes, soldiers, etc. Fragile as they are, they are quite well-preserved. The yapped edges are generally chopped and torn, but they are mostly complete, and internally only one or two small pictures have been excised. The interior to one of the wraps bears two of the transfers, demonstrating the effect. Overall, a very good group. These albums are certainly scarce in commerce, and we do not find any holdings of transfer picture albums uwith this title in any library, according to OCLC. Rare.