ALPS ca. 1958-1959 1st Version Tin Lithographed Battery-Operated “Television Spaceman” UM-1 Robot *SOLD*

ALPS ca. 1958-1959 1st Version Tin Lithographed Battery-Operated “Television Spaceman” UM-1 Robot

This piece is a ca.1958-1959 1st version tin, lithographed, battery-operated “Television Spaceman” UM-1 robot that was manufactured by ALPS/Alps Shoji Ltd. of Japan.   

This piece is the early version that has the metal antenna key which is used to activate the robot. This is a fully working robot. The eyes spin, the television screen image lights up, the mouth lights up, and it walks forward moving its arms and legs. This version has the television image that lights up inside the robot but unlike the later version with the red plastic antenna, the image does not rotate and change scenes. The battery compartment is clean and free of rust or corrosion.

This piece is in very good to great 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 16 ½” H (with the key) and 11 ½” H (just the robot). We invite you to view the photos to further determine quality and condition.   

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

ALPS made battery-operated mechanical toys (robots, cars, musical chimps, clowns, wind-up animals) and produced some of the better-quality Japanese toys throughout the post-war years. Alps Shoji Ltd. Tokyo, Japan was founded in 1948 and specialized in toy vehicles and novelties.