ALPS ca. 1950s Mechanical “Cubby the Reading Bear” in Box for Sale

ALPS Mechanical “Cubby the Reading Bear” in Box

This piece is a mechanical “Cubby the ReadingBear” in box manufactured by ALPS/Alps Shoji Ltd. of Japan.   

When wound, Cubby turns his head and flips through the pages of his book. The wind-up mechanism is functional. Includes the original box, which retains a store price sticker and is in very good condition.

This piece is in all original condition with no breaks, restorations, repairs, or touch-ups. This piece shows the usual patina, fading, dust, chips, scuffs, surface rust, scratches, missing accessories, and wear that is to be expected from age and display. This is approximately 7″ H. We invite you to view the photos to further determine the quality and condition.   

 

 

A brief history of ALPS/Alps Shoji Ltd. of Japan: 

1948 – 1970s

Founder: Katsutaro Kataoka

Alps Shoji Ltd., commonly known these days as Alps Electric/Alps Alpine (ala Alpine Stereos), is a Japanese multinational corporation that specializes in the manufacturing of electronic components and devices. Founded in 1948 by Katsutaro Kataoka, Alps Electric initially focused on the production of electronic components such as switches and potentiometers, and then diversified to include producing some of the better-quality Japanese toys throughout the post-war years producing a range of mechanical and electronic toys, including tinplate toys, battery-operated toys, and mechanical dolls. Some of their most famous creations included toy robots, musical toys, and realistic-looking mechanical animals. However, in the 1970s as the company evolved and shifted its focus primarily to electronic components and devices, its involvement in the toy industry diminished.