9 > SIFO & PLAYSKOOL CHILDS TOY WOOD TRAY PUZZLES

Updated September 24, 2026

AVAILABLE FOR SHIPPING or LOCAL PICKUP ~ NOTICE > SOME LACKING PIECES A group of nine vintage Playskool, Sifo and Connor Toys wooden tray puzzles, most in the familiar large-format size of about 11.5" tall x 9.25" wide, with comparable examples measuring from roughly 11.5" x 9" to 11.5" x 9.5". Included are colorful early childhood subjects featuring a polar bear, calf with pail, assorted fruits, deer, steam locomotive, Little Miss Muffet, a nursery-rhyme children’s scene, Little Black Sambo, and a gingerbread man. Each is constructed as a shallow wood tray with fitted, individually cut pieces and brightly printed graphics designed for simple recognition and placement by young children. Playskool originated in the late 1920s as an educational toy concern and became especially well known for durable wooden toys intended to combine play with early learning. The company’s wood puzzles, blocks and manipulative toys became staples of mid-century childhood, with Playskool eventually acquired by Milton Bradley in 1968 and later becoming part of Hasbro. Connor Toy was a Wisconsin-based maker known for durable wooden educational toys and tray puzzles, particularly during the 1960s through 1980s. The company produced beginner puzzles, animal and nursery subjects, map puzzles and other early-learning designs aimed at young children. Many examples were specifically labeled by age range and number of pieces, reflecting their use as developmental toys for shape recognition, coordination and problem solving. Connor Toy puzzles were still being produced into the 1980s, with the company identified in period records as Connor Toy Corp. of Wausau, Wisconsin. These tray puzzles were meant to help young children develop hand-eye coordination, shape recognition, memory and problem-solving skills while working with familiar animals, nursery-rhyme characters, transportation and everyday subjects. Today, groups such as this are equally appealing for vintage toy collections, nursery or playroom display, educational-theme décor and nostalgic mid-century presentation. CONDITION REPORT > Some lacking pieces ~ As discovered, not cleaned or altered. Normal evidence of childhood use and storage, including scattered edge wear, surface marks and graphic wear.

More lots in this auction

• 9 > Vintage SIFO & CONNOR TOYS WOOD TRAY PUZZLES
• 6 > PORCELAIN TRINKET DISHES, RING BOX, TRAYS More
• GORHAM HERITAGE SILVERPLATE PUNCH BOWL
• COLONIAL WILLIAMSBURG WORCESTER DIARY JOURNAL BOOK
• 4 > ASIAN ORIENTAL Framed PRINTS by ACADEMY ARTS
• Rustic STONEWARE POTTERY GARDEN URN FLOWER PLANTER
• 1933 WORLD'S FAIR Ft. DEARBON CHICAGO WALKING CANE
• SOUTHERN LIVING RED MOUNTAIN 3 TIER PLATE STAND

See all lots in Round #2 ~ CENTREVILLE, MISSISSIPPI Van Cleave Family ESTATE →