This is a beautiful, authentic piece of early 20th-century children's literature.

Published in 1913, this "linenette" style book features stunning chromolithograph illustrations of animals and charming Edwardian-era prose. Despite its age and wear, it remains a soulful collectible for those who love antique nursery decor or vintage animal illustrations.

​Title: Playful Pets (No. 526)
​Publisher: Sam’l Gabriel Sons & Company, New York
​Copyright Date: 1913
​Material: Heavy textured "linen" paper (typical of the period for durability)
​Subject: Children’s Animal Stories
​Illustrations: Full-color lithographs of cats, bunnies, goats, and dogs.
​Dimensions: Approximately 9" x 12" (Large Format)
​
​Condition: Fair / Heavily Loved Vintage Condition
Please review the photos carefully as they serve as the primary description of condition:
​Cover: Shows significant "crazing" or cracking to the surface finish and some loss of the litho at the bottom right corner.
​Edges: Visible fraying and wear consistent with its 110+ year age.
​Interior: The pages are generally intact with vibrant colors, though there is some light staining (foxing) and general handling wear. No major missing text.
​Binding: The spine shows wear and some separation but the pages remain attached.
​Step back in time with this 1913 Sam’l Gabriel Sons classic. "Playful Pets" tells the story of boys named Bobby and Willie as they discover animals around the farm and garden.

​The artwork is quintessential for the era, featuring a wide-eyed calico cat on the cover, a family of "Bunnies," a "Goat Family," and a loyal hunting dog named "Rover." These Gabriel "linen" books were designed to be indestructible for toddlers of the time, which is why the texture is so unique and the colors have remained remarkably bright for over a century.

​Perfect for:
​Antique book collectors.
​Framing individual pages as nursery wall art.
​Vintage "shabby chic" or farmhouse decor.

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