[TATTOOS] [JUVENILE EPHEMERA] Transfer Pictures: Album of Fairy Stories (eight booklets of transfer pictures) by Fabrik-Zeichen (publisher) - 1885

[Germany? Switzerland?]: Fabrik-Zeichen, 1885. Accordion-style. Very good. Eight transfer picture albums, bound accordion-style, each measuring about 4" x 3.25" (10cm x 8cm). 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 27" long altogether. These transfer pictures were designed for children to cut out and apply to paper (or general "objects", 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 mostly "fairy stories," and each album contains the same images and titles, in various orders. Each panel bears a title/caption in German, French, and English, indicating that these were almost certainly made primarily for export. The wraps to most volumes are chipped, torn, or split at the spine, though some are quite nicely preserved, and all are generally clean and bright internally (but for one large tear to one panel, affecting a few pictures, but with no loss). One album has seven out of the usual eight panels. Overall, it's fair to say that these are in very good condition, much nicer inside than out. These albums are certainly scarce in commerce, and we do not find any holdings of transfer picture albums under the Fabrik-Zeichen imprint in any libraries. Rare.