J. Chein ca. 1930’s Tin Lithographed Windup No. 83 Happy Hooligan Walker *SOLD*

J. Chein ca. 1930’s Tin Lithographed Windup No. 83 Happy Hooligan Walker

We have for you a ca. 1930s tin, lithographed, windup no. 83 “Happy Hooligan Mechanical Walking Toy” that was manufactured by J. Chein & Co. of Burlington, New Jersey.    

The mechanisms work well and Happy Hooligan shuffles around as expected when he is wound up. 

This piece is in good all original condition with no breaks, restorations, repairs, or touch-ups. This piece shows the usual patina, fading, dust, chips, scuffs, surface rust, scratches, and wear that are to be expected from age and play. This is approximately 6 ¼” H. We invite you to view the photos to further determine the quality and condition.

 

 

A brief history of J. Chein and Company:

J. Chein & Co. was founded in a loft in New York City, New York by Julius Chein. They produced toys from 1903 until about 1979. Chein specialized in tin mechanical toys, banks, drums, and tea sets. Chein’s tin toys were mostly lithographed. Chein`s comic and circus tin toy line received wide acceptance in the 1930s and leading up to World War II.

In 1907, Chein moved to its full production plant to Harrison, New Jersey. In the 1920s and early 1930s, Chein produced a popular line of toys under the “Hercules” name, rather than their own name. In the 1970s Chein became known as Chein Industries, Inc. 

In 1979, toy manufacturing was phased out entirely. Then in the late 1980s, Chein Industries, Inc. was sold to the Atlantic Can Company, which then changed its name to Atlantic Cheinco Corporation. The company was beset with problems with manufacturing resulting from environmental issues. Due to their issues, in 1992 they filed for bankruptcy protection. Atlantic Cheinco Corporation’s assets were purchased by Ellisco, In. of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, a division of CSS Industries, Inc. In 1994, CSS sold Ellisco to the U.S. Can Company of Baltimore, Maryland, which continues producing stamped metal products.