“Spiral See Saw” Toy, circa 1880, Very Rare

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...

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...

Manufactured by "The Instructive Toy Company" of Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1890 and "Patented February 16th, 1886" by Alonzo Smith (see image) this alphabet wooden spelling board was u...

Very attractive and well-made decorative and colorful Staffordshire porcelain money box or savings bank; made in England, indicative of the style potters from that region employed, circa 1880. Nicely detailed with green floral facie, orange double pane windows and front door, and a white painted cottage with brown steps and green fauna at entry. There were no "coin traps" or provisions for coin removal so banks such as these are rare since smashing or breaking the bank was the only method by which the money could be retrieved. The bank is in very good all original condition with only a minor "hairline" repair to one of the chimney stacks (see image). It is very sound and done a long time ago and is hardly noticeable. Being a cross collectible, this would be a very unique addition for a Staffordshire collector indeed (the subject being a money box), or a welcome compliment to any still bank...

Set of 5 handpainted Swedish wooden traditional Dala horse toy. Designed by Nils Olsson in Sweden, circa 1960. Materials: Wood In original condition, with...

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...

Fabulous early toy example by the Clark co. This hill climber works great, and is almost totally complete. It's missing it's passenger in the back. Cast iron...

American vintage, antique child's pedal tricycle metal toy car in great working condition.