ANKER STEINBAUKASTEN
from 1894

In 1884, the company of Friedrich Adolf Richter in the Thuringian town of Rudolstadt marketed the first “Anker-Steinbaukästen” (“Anchor Building Block Sets”). The sets produced with interruptions until today are preferably advertised as the world’s oldest modular toy. Early on, Richter had recognized the significance of marketing and consistently expanded the brand with the anchor symbol.

The famous stones, however, were created by the aviation pioneer Otto Lilienthal and his brother, the artist Gustav Lilienthal, based on the ideas of the progressive educator Friedrich Fröbel. Instead of using wood or natural stones, the Lilienthal brothers invented a mixture of lime, sand, and linseed oil. The stones cannot only be quickly and cost-efficiently produced, but also be used in a better way for building and have a more pleasant feel to them.

Titel Anker Steinbaukasten No 10A, new series, produced from 1894
Material Wood, lime, sand, and lineseed oil
Origin Gift of Pia Trümpler
Dimensions H: 5.1 cm W: 35 cm D: 25.5 cm