Gustav Lilianthal had the idea of producing building blocks from synthetic stone. The stone blocks have a rougher surface and have a heavier specific weight than wooden blocks. The buildings made with them are more stable than those made with wood.

Although they were very talented engineers, the Lilienthal brothers did not show any talent for marketing and had to sell their invention in 1880 to Friedrich Ad. Richter.

The building sets became well-known worldwide under the anchor logo of the Richter firm. In 1886 a catalogue was published in 13 languages offering 236 different kits. Richter had discovered the hobby market for adults and was the first toy manufacturer to offer his products exclusively to this market segment. Following a government decision the firm was closed in 1963.

The basic kits are on sale again since 1995. They are true to the original kits as outlined in Richter's manufacturing guidelines. The model of the Basle town hall is on display in the exhibition . It is built from 105 different sorts of stone blocks, totalling 2840 in all.