Rare Steiff Turtle "Sit on" Pull Toy, circa 1950s

San Francisco trolley toy Friction cable car; made of all tin; important to note because this was the first of it's kind having been made in the 1950s. They were all tin (no plastic); 7 1/4" long (not shorter); green (not red or multi-clored); "Bay and Taylor St" placard; #504" and most importantly the figures are actual FIGURES made of formed pressed steel and then hand painted and lithographed. Cheaper later models were simply lithographed into the flat sheet steel. Also, my example works (see video). It is a friction toy...

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...

By J. Chein, circa 1930, this tin lithographed and hand painted American tin wind-up toy is all original and in working order. There are a few scratches here and there (from normal play and use); but for a nearly 100 year old toy, it is in very good and all original paint with no touch up or restoration. The turtle is painted in colors of yellow (predominantly) with a turquoise border and red dots, and an orange neck; while the boy is dressed in yellow. The action of the toy portrays a boy riding a turtle; and upon winding up the attached clockwork key and releasing on the floor, the turtle with boy rider, ride away! The turtle moves his head up and down while the boy rocks up and down, as the turtle moves across the floor (see attached 12 second video of operation). Works well (unique for this toy) but occasionally "sticks". Of American manufacturer (marked on the left of center of the shell of the turtle), the J. Chein Company was in Harrison, New Jersey, and one of the premier toy makers of the 1930's. Dimensions: 8" long x 4 1/2" wide x 4" high Note: After 40 plus years of dealing and collecting toys, I am justly qualified to guarantee and present the authenticity of antique and vintage toys...

Horse drawn trolleys or "horse buses" were the main source of "mass transit", along with trains in the late 1800s in America. Thus they were ubiquitous subject matter for toy makers to exploit as toys for young children. While many tin toy...

Rare 100 year old French toy in it's original box depicting two acrobats attached to a wire frame with brown barrel weights, cascading down a green metal ladder. Once assembled (loop...

This seldom seen bank is technically a mechanical bank but basically it is a still bank with a slight mechanical function, that being; once it is full of coins, it opens up automatic...

A original Steiff Turtle "sit on" and "pull toy," circa 1950s. Has original pull chord and original rubber wheels with red painted sides; original bar over the top. All original pain...

Rare antique wooden child's ride on wooden toy boat by Nautilus Toy Co. London wonderful Folk Art object. 1920s ride on toy made by the Nautilus Toy Compan...

1950s vintage Mobo Toys pony express pedal toy. This Carrey Trailer with Horse was made by Sebel Mobo Toy, D. Sebel & co Erith Kent, England. It's a press...

Rare antique German paper mache composition bobble head mule / donkey / horse pull toy figure standing with a small feed manger on a platform rollin...

19th century articulated pull along dog toy A wonderful example of a late 19th Century articulated pull along dog, constructed from pine and metal hinged body with painted detail surface. Original fabric canvas ears still intact as is its full chain. Glass eyes and red wooden wheels give this rare toy a wonderful quirky and decorative look, when pulled along the dog wiggles from side to side, a real bit of fun. Dimensions in inches: H 14 x D 20 x W 7 Origin: English circa: 1880 - 1920 Condition: Good Completely solid in structure and form, aged surface as shown with a deep natural patina across all areas. A rare survivor so please expect this to be reflected in this items condition. The House of Antiques...

Handpainted Swedish wooden traditional Dala pig toy. Designed by Nils Olsson in Sweden, circa 1960. Materials: Wood In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age...