Archive for the ‘Western’ Category

Time to Wind Down

Thursday, November 15th, 2007

Here’s a look at even more little toys I picked up at the Allentown Antique Toy Show. They’re old wind-up toys.

This first guy is just a goofy-looking sheriff with rifle-in-hand and an arrow through his head. I love the expression on his face. It’s the “Crap! Did that just go through my head?” look. He has no markings other than “Made in Japan,” so who knows where he comes from? He’s cute (even with his badly painted ammo belt and rifle that looks like a tommy gun).

Also, I think he’s a boozing sheriff. Just look at that red nose :o

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Antique Sheriff Wind-up toy

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Antique Sheriff Wind-up toy

The next two are marked “©1967 Frankonia” (I haven’t found any reliable info about this company, but I have gathered that they produced various tin and wind-up toys). The keys and walking mechanisms still work for these two, but they are a bit slow. I’m guessing they’re from a series of Nursery Rhyme wind-up toys.

I picked them up, because they’re just really funny looking. I love the genuine expressions of sadness and concern on their faces. They’re not your typical children’s toys emotional states, that’s for sure.

This guy looks like he could be Little Boy Blue.

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Little Boy Blue Wind-up ©1967 Frankonia

Look at the truly sad expression on his face! Poor kid! They must’ve just woken him up (If you don’t know what I’m talking about, check out the original nursery rhyme for clues).

Little boy blue, come blow your horn
The sheep’s in the meadow, the cow’s in the corn
Where is that boy who looks after the sheep?
Under the haystack fast asleep
Will you wake him? Oh no, not I
For if I do he will surely cry

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Little Boy Blue Wind-up ©1967 Frankonia

The other is Humpty Dumpty (Wow! The second Humpty Dumpty toy on the blog!). I’m sure you all know his story. Looks like this is the “pre-fall” Humpty. He may even be on his way to a formal. Top Hat? Cane? Cumberbund? C’mon!

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Humpty Dumpty Wind-up ©1967 Frankonia

He’s worried he can’t make it over that wall.

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Humpty Dumpty Wind-up ©1967 Frankonia

If anyone has any info on Frankonia or any of these wind ups, feel free to share. Thanks!

Yeehaw! Ride ‘em cowboy!

Sunday, September 16th, 2007

Several years ago I was strolling through a Revco Drug store (which has since become CVS), and I dropped by the toy section (as we all do in any store that has one).

That’s where I found this little, energetic guy.
He seems pretty uninteresting at first glance…

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Animatronic cowboy toy that rides a horse and plays music - by Playmotions

Maybe even at second glance…

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Animatronic cowboy toy that rides a horse and plays music - by Playmotions

But it’s not until you see him in motion that you discover his hidden talent.

He’s made by “Playmotions: Amazing Animatronics.”
And for all of those who still don’t get it, the horse’s head is coming out of his pants

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Animatronic cowboy toy that rides a horse and plays music - by Playmotions

Weird indeed.