clockwork - Anything In Particular

Vintage Tinplate Clockwork Mouse (No. 2094) made in Japan by Yone

Jon Nix — Thu, 29 Sep 2022 21:31:34 +0000

A very charming tinplate clockwork toy of a mouse, made in Japan by the manufactures Yone. This is model no. 2094 of which there are several variations which made it to marker. Some of these are named "Scurry Mouse" and some are "Wonder Mouse". This one is in full working order - once wound up and released, the toy travels rather rapidly across the floor (a smooth surface ideally), spins somewhat randomly and then travels away in whichever direction it is facing. It's not a "bump and go" action - it simply repeats this dart and rotation movement until it runs out of steam. The mouse measures just under 9cm (3½ in.) from nose to base of tail, with the tail approximately 8cm (3¼ in.) in length.

It's in good used and vintage condition with a few scratches as to be expected, and the mechanism has been cleaned and made good internally. Additionally, this one was missing its original ears so we have "manufactured" our own replacements which we think make a good fit. The originals seem to have been some kind of thin plastic, but these new ones are of a softer neoprene/felt material and are also a good match for his/her tail. He or she seems pretty happy with them anyway...

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Vintage Roger Hargreaves’ Timbuctoo “Roar” Wind Up Toy and Book (1978)

Jon Nix — Mon, 20 Sep 2021 16:48:02 +0000

"Timbuctoo" was a range of animal sound-inspired children's books and other items penned by Roger Hargreaves, more famous - of course - for the "Mr. Men" series. Published in 1978, the original stories revolved around twelve animal characters, of which the lion called "Roar" was one. Available here is not only the book but also the wind-up "walking" toy figure of Roar to accompany it - a very nice matching set for the collector or for the nostalgic.

The book is in fair condition, with some curling to the corners and some yellowing, but otherwise clean. The figure is in good shape, too, with its walking mechanism intact and functional and no chips or cracks to the plastics. The book, 34 pages including full page colour illustrations, measures 16.5cm (6½ in.) by 14.5 (5¾ in.) and the toy is approximately 8cm (3 in.) in height.

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1970s novelty toy wind-up moving crab by ST Toys Hong Kong

Jon Nix — Tue, 06 Oct 2020 12:57:02 +0000

If this little chap doesn't make you smile, then I don't know what will. Made by ST Toys Hong Kong, this brightly coloured orange crab executes an amusing sideways movement with bobbling eyes and moving claws when wound up and released. It's an object of simple fun which also looks great when not on the move.

For a slice of the action see the following video: https://www.instagram.com/p/CE_pjRvnUAn/

The crab measures approximately 11cm long by 4cm deep by 8cm high (4¼ in. by 1½ in. by 3¼ in.). In good condition and fully working with only minor superficial signs of wear and use.

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1930s Triang Clockwork Tractor Model No. 2

Jon Nix — Wed, 29 Jul 2020 22:54:05 +0000

Much-played with and no doubt much-loved, this Triang No. 2 model tractor dates from the 1930s. An unusual find and a genuinely characterful toy from a bygone era. Originally, the model would have had rubber caterpillar-style tracks, but even without the tracks this one happily moves forward when wound.

Suitable for what we hope would be a sensitvely realised restoration project or simply as a display piece and occasional plaything ;)

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