Animate Toys Woodhaven Metal Tin Lithographed Head Nodding Animals for Sale

Animate Toys Woodhaven Metal Tin Lithographed Head Nodding Animals

This is a charming little group of tin lithographed head-nodding animals that were manufactured by Animate Toys/Woodhaven Metal Stamping Co. Inc. of Brooklyn, New York.   

All heads bobble and nod as they should. The small turtle rolls forward and its head nods and flippers flip. The lithos on these are super clean from top to bottom.

These pieces are in original condition with no breaks, restorations, repairs, or touch-ups. These pieces show the usual patina, fading, dust, chips, scuffs, surface rust, scratches, and wear that are to be expected from age and play. The small turtle is approximately 2 ¾” L, the large turtle 5” L, and the alligator 6 ½” L. We invite you to view the photos to further determine the quality and condition.

A brief history of Animate Toys/Woodhaven Metal Stamping Company of Brooklyn, New York:

1934 – 1940

Founder: L. T. Savage (Animate Toy)/Herman Joerger (Woodhaven)

In 1934, Herman Joerger bought and combined two small toy companies Animate Toy (1918-1934) and Ranger Toy. He named the new company the Woodhaven Metal Stamping Company. Woodhaven Metal Stamping was a notable company involved in the production of metal stampings and toys during the mid-20th century. They were particularly known for their lithographed metal toys, which included various vehicles, trains, and other playthings popular during that era. Many of these toys were actually engineered and sold by the Animate Toy Co., New York, NY in 1920s. They continued to produce toys and use old packaging marked and designed by Animate Toy without any changes until 1939.

The company was active primarily during the 1930s and produced a wide range of toys, often featuring colorful lithographed designs. These toys were typically made of tinplate or other metals and were stamped into shape before being lithographed with vibrant graphics to make them visually appealing to children.

Woodhaven Metal Stamping Co. Inc. was one of many companies in Brooklyn and the broader New York area that contributed to the golden age of American toy manufacturing. While they may not be as widely recognized today as some other toy manufacturers, their products are still sought after by collectors interested in vintage toys and Americana.

Sometime after 1939, Joerger transferred ownership of the merged companies to his son, Herman Joerger Jr. Subsequently, Herman Jr. passed on the business to his son, Kurt. Woodhaven Metal Stamping Co. ceased toy production around 1940, shifting its focus entirely to manufacturing sheet metal parts. These entities later evolved into Woodhaven Telesis Corporation, specializing in custom manufacturing of sheet metal parts.