Vintage "Googly Eyed" Goldfish Japanese Windup Toy, circa 1950s

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...

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...

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...

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...

Vintage Raj embroidered large camel toy, India, 1950. Handmade in Rajasthan, India, colorful fabric camel toy. Vintage oversized camel stuffed cotton embroidered and decorated with...

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

A rare early turn-of-the-century English nursery toy. A standing lion with warm smiling face and excellent detail. In hard molded rubber with the original...

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