Made by Kuramochi & Co’ the clockwork Circus Elephant in vibrant celluloid, wearing a red belted jacket, blue trousers, holding a ‘Welcome ! See our Circus’ sign, with nodding head, with the right hand ringing a bell to a metal winder to the back, surviving from the early part of 1930s Japan.
Unknown.
Founded in Tokyo, Kuramochi was producing a range of tinplate, lead and celluloid toys in the late 1920’s and early 1930’s and indeed Kuramochi was the largest supplier of Japanese toys prior to WWII exporting to both England and the USA where its products were distributed by the Geo. Borgfeldt Co. Following WWII two of its main employees left to form the Japanese toy companies of ALPS and Normura.
Great fun and a super little collectable.
The condition is still good considering he is the best part of a hundred years old, with the mechanism working soundly, and some wear to the feet and decoration. Please see videos for operation.
By appointment only.
