Japanese Toys

This is a very rare toy that I have not seen an example of before, and judging by it's action and appearance, I would venture to say it is post war, probably made in Japan for the American market (boy looks very American). I have called it "Smiling Boy Polishing Boots" which resembles the clockwork movement. To operate: hold the toy in the left hand with thumb on chest and then; wind up attached original key with the right hand several times; and release. With a smiling face, the boy will roll his head back and forth, while diligently shining his black boots, using an up and down motion with his right hand. The toy works quite well and will go on for some time. It is made up of several materials. The head, hands, and shoes are made of composition; it has a tin body; the clothes jersey, hat, and "falling" trousers" are made of fabric. The toy is in good original condition; some wear to boy's hat and jersey in back (see images), a slight "bend" to tinplate in the rear; but for the most part, the toy is very sturdy, works well, has a nice appearance, and wonderful charisma. This is a charming rare toy that operates as it should, and is a "must have" for collectors of post-war vintage wind up toys...

Fantastic Japanese tin litho toy car from the mid to late fifties. A Chevrolet Station Wagon in excellent vintage condition with minimal wear, practi...

Quite an unusual piece for bank collectors or just for those seeking a unique collectible. This is a coin bank made of all wood; walnut and inlay here and there; simulating a stack and shelf of books; a pair of "Scottie dogs" (terriers) on top of the bank completes the decoration. The slot on top of the bank accommodates the saving of coins. When it is full; the method of opening the bank to remove the coins, exemplifies the ultimate in Japanese ingenuity. A video attached to the listing displays the foregoing. With the books facing you; slide the two front bottom panels to the left; slide the bottom right panel forward (tilt forward) exposing the opening; slide out the enclosed loose key; push everything back; slide left half of front panel to the left; the middle book drops down exposing the key hole; insert and turn the key to the right to open; lift the hinged lid; remove coins and reverse the process to start over again. Fantastic item!!! This bank was made in Japan, right after World War ll, during the occupation, around 1948. It is a further manifestation of a mid to early 19th century tradition of hiding documents and money in boxes with "tricks" and a multiplicity of "moves" to unlock a box or trunk. With these banks, it is all about condition and completeness, considering the rough play and use it was subject to from trying to figure out how to open it. This particular bank is in excellent and all original, complete condition with no repairs and no replacements, and is from my own personal collection of banks; having been in my possession since 1985. Worth noting is that this example was featured in "Antiquing and Collecting" magazine September 2003 edition in an article on Japanese Puzzle...

Kobe Toys are very mysterious and not much is known about them. They were created and hand made, strictly for tourists and foreigners (never exported) during ...

Japanese Kokeshi folk art wood doll by Kumagai Otsu. There are ten types of Kokeshi doll, this is the Naruko variety. Measuring height 23.5 cm / 9.25 inches by diameter at the base 5...

Fabulous Ford Falcon Japanese Tin Litho Friction Toy Car C1960. In excellent vintage condition with minimal, if any wear. Came from a large lot of toys th...

Early 20th century mechanical toy from Kobe, Japan. This small mechanical toy was made in Kobe, Japan. This is the classic doll of a man chopping an...

Fantastic tin litho friction Chevy Corvair c1960 in very good condition, near mint. Ralph Nadar of course made the Corvair infamous in his book, "Unsafe At Any Speed" which led to th...

Fabulous and in near mint condition Fiat 600 with a rollback cloth convertible top. From a lot of seventeen that were probably stored from day one, and never played with. Made by Ban...

This is a later (1950's), albeit often overlooked and important mechanical bank that is quite rare, and highly sought after by collectors. Iconic bank collector F.H. Griffith wrote a...

Fantastic whimsical antique Japanese large folk art Mingei horse and rider pull toy. Hand painted, arms and legs can be articulated. Purchased first hand in Kyoto. Incredible conditi...

Diminutive late 1940s "penny toy like" wind-up tin toy platform train modern and sleek looking for that era; it is hand painted and lithographed in bright co...

A complete set of fifteen vintage Japanese hina ningyo. These ornamental dolls are displayed for the Girls Day Festival Hinamatsuri, on the 3 March each year in Japan. The set repres...

Old Japanese mechanical toy as amateur wooden handicraft from Showa period, 20th century. When wheeled back and forward tightly, head shaking and wings flapping but as barely and awk...

Pair of "Atchan" aka Sony Boy. Figure introduced by Sony in 1956 as a mascot for the launch of the first transistor device, appearing in advertisements for the TR-55. The pair consis...

Fantastic friction motor and tin liho body in excellent vintage condition. C 1956 Chevrolet El Camino in red & black with a drop down tailgate. Japanese from the mid fifties. Believe...

For the mechanical bank and toy enthusiast, listed is a tin, lithographed and painted, all original 1960s mechanical bank made by the Yone Company of Japan (see image of logo on side panel). The company was founded in 1950 and is typical of the post war companies who produced outstanding children's toys. The action is unique, clever, and encourages saving money. With the bank wound (attached key wind on the underneath (see image); place a penny on the spot provided on top of the bank. The mouse dashes out of the grey shoe...

This Wind up Boy on Tricycle is an original vintage toy. Vintage friction toy representing a motorcyclist on his bike. Small toy made in tin in Japa...

Fabulous friction helicopter from Japan C 1960. Toy works great, push copter and the blades start spinning. Does not fly, nor was it intended to. Great graph...