1890 McLoughlin Golden Eagle Anagrams (Earliest Known Set) jointed boxers which in this case is

which in this case is as it should be

What a character

Box measures 6 1/4" x 5 3/4" x 1/2"

The larger

as there is a very careful mend (plug) in the wood at lower right

1890 McLoughlin Golden Eagle Anagrams (Earliest Known Set) jointed boxers which in this case isA rare survivor, this I believe is, technically, the first set of Anagrams produced Milton Bradley produced a a game called "Words and Sentences" in 1885 with similar cardboard letters, but I believe McLoughlin coined the name "anagrams" with this, its first set, and copyrighted it. (Reference: The New York Historical Society). I've been on a scrabble tear lately, which these certainly laid the groundwork for, but much easier not to carry around a