Long before LEGO there was another comprehensive building system. Marketed first in the 1880s they were marketed as Dr. F. Richter's Anchor Blocks, 'Anker in German'. These blocks were termed the "Practical Architect's Aid." They were made of a composite of powdered stone held together by a resin. The blocks were quite heavy and came in three colors, tan, redish brown and a blue gray. Special parts for roofs and bridges were also included. The building designs included in the colorful instruction booklets were quite impressive. Most designs were of massive civic projects such as city gates, churches, monuments, concert halls, stone bridges and the like.

Shown here are two views of a "Hunting Castle", with the original instructions. The date is unknown, but is estimated to be about the 1890s.

Richter's Designs for Buildings and Bridges
Hunting Castle, front view
Hunting Castle, rear view
Hunting Castle, instructions part 1
Hunting Castle, instructions part 2

George Hardy has a very nice site describing all aspects of Richter's Anchor Stone Building Sets. He includes a history or the company, many pictures and other usefull information. He also provides information regarding the international Club of Anchor Friends (Club van Ankervrienden).