1940s Toys

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...

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...

Large Steamroller toy from the forties. In the style of Buddy L. Repainted and some hardware replaced. In excellent vintage condition with minimal wear. Can be...

Toy designed by Ko Verzuu, circa 1940. Manufactured by ADO in Netherlands. Truck & trailer of wood "Houthandel". In good original condition, with minor wear consistent with ag...

Fabulous working tin Litho toy skier by the Chein toy co. C1945. In excellent vintage condition with minimal wear.

Produced by Pinto Bros Mfg of Coney Island, New York, this all-original 1940s firetruck was part of a circular ride at the famed Coney Island Amusement Park. Featuring lucky Number 4...

Mid-20th century Folk Art English acrobat toy We are proud to offer a rare example of a mid-20th century English folk-art acrobat toy. Handmade from scrat...

A wonderful piece of social history made at a time when the world was beginning to heal itself from the termoil of the Second World War. Passed down through generations of an English...

A circa 1940s English 10-arm brass and wood drum chandelier with original painted finish and patina. Measurements: Current drop (adjustable) 42" Diameter 32".

American manufacture; this colorful hand-painted still bank depicting Uncle Sam is all original with no repairs and no repaint. Fabulous crazing throughout indicative of original pai...

"Melody-Bank" is a rare bank and was manufactured by "Electric Coding Machine Co., N.Y.C." in 1946. American made, this is a genuine and authentic vintage mechanical bank, albeit somewhat later, having been manufactured in 1946. It maintains all of the elements of a collectible antique mechanical bank; pleasing shelf appeal and wonderful musical action. The metal faux textured, green painted casing on five sides is fronted by cardboard on wood, filled with delightful images of "children at play with money" lithography. To operate: Wind up the mechanism by turning the brass dial in front clockwise; then put a nickel, dime, or quarter in the appropriate slot at the top. Music will play as additional lithography depicting children's nursery rhymes rotate on the interior circular dial ("Little Boy Blue", "Mary Had A Little Lamb", etc.). Coins are removed by unscrewing the metal plate at the rear bottom. Bank is in excellent all original condition with fully operable musical mechanism. Dimensions: 7" high x 4 9/16" wide x 3" deep. I am a leading specialist in the field of antique mechanical coin banks...

1940s aluminum Stan Laurel doll with articulating joints made by Swiss watch company Bucherer. From comedy duo "Laurel and Hardy" of early Americ...

Horse cart, beautiful aged still functional.