SOLD - Nister - Pleasant Surprises - Very Rare movable book with unique mechanism

Pleasant Surprises – A novel Mechanical Book For The Little Ones

Ernest Nister c1903
Verses by Clifton Bingham
Illustrations by Hilda K. Robinson
285 X 235 mm - 9.25” X 11”
20 pp including 6 movable slat changing scenes.

Unique and difficult to find Nister with a unique mechanism unlike any other Nister. We could not find it recorded in any auction records, online, and in only one library worldwide (Cotsen catalog 1239 ID 23291).

We only knew of its existence through our favorite Nister reference book, “Peeps Into Nisterland” by Julia and Frederick Hunt. It is listed on page 330 where the Hunt’s date it at 1903. Hunt goes on to say that “This is the only Nister book I have found with this mechanism.”

The only other record we could find for this book is in the 1904 book “Retail Catalogue of Standard and Holiday Books”, page 680.

Condition: Very Good – see photos. Some pages have been reinforced at the gutter and there is slight chipping on some page edges. All the movables are complete and working in beautiful all original condition. Original ribbons all in good shape.

Front of book says “Pleasant surprises of many a kind here in this book full of pictures you’ll find. Lift up the ribbon, and quickly you'll learn
How one bright scene to another can turn. “

Scenes include:
1. Three little people went skating all day
2. Of all pastimes East and West
3. While Oh! It makes me very happy
4. My horses are the finest pair
5. Here we are happy as can be
6. See-saw is the game we play