Set of Five Handmade Crayon Decorated Valentines tongue with a nice surface patina

with a nice surface patina

2 1/8" tall and in perfect condition

I take this for an end of day brickmaker's whimsy of sorts

maybe 3rd rather than 4th quarter 19th c

both among my very favorites I've had

Set of Five Handmade Crayon Decorated Valentines tongue with a nice surface patinaI always feel lucky when I manage to snag some old handmade valentines, and these boldly crayon colored ones, with hearts and flowers everywhere, are real charmers. The name Elsie Metz appears on most as the recipient, but what I took at first for dates are I think instead maybe coded names for the senders! (i. e. 19 5 12 would mean S E L???? or some such?) A couple of these are double layered, opening to messages inside; otherwise messages are on the