Very Scarce Early (c. 1860s) McLaughlin Brothers Comical Conversation Cards, Food For Fun! melon-shaped 5” long x 2” wide

5” long x 2” wide  x 5” tall

November 12

4 1/2" t x 2 7/8" diameter and in very good condition

Not an especially rare one

When I purchased this piece

Very Scarce Early (c. 1860s) McLaughlin Brothers Comical Conversation Cards, Food For Fun! melon-shaped 5” long x 2” wideVictorian era amusement was a thing all its own, and I can't say I always understand the humor! This is an early set of "Comical Conversation Cards" produced by McLaughlin Brothers, New York I can't find a match out there for this set, but I believe 1860s. (The company was founded in 1858, and had expanded to 30 Beekman Street by 1863). Conversation cards like this were made for parlor play, especially useful as aids in courtship. I believe a holder