From 1882, these graphics were made with 13 symbols (shown at the bottom). This is a modular type called Combination Border No. 16, by Bruce’s New York Type Foundry. A little bit like PETSCII, a little bit more like alpha blox.
Found by Pinwheel Press & thanks to Marcin Wichary for the tip.
Text graphics from an 1889 book: “Eli Perkins. Wit, humor and pathos” by Landon, Melville D. (Melville De Lancey) via.