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J. Chein Tin Lithographed No. 251 “Popeye Sparkler” Pre-War Squeeze Sparker Toy *SOLD*

J. Chein Tin Lithographed No. 251 “Popeye Sparkler” Pre-War Squeeze Sparker Toy

We have for you a tin lithographed No. 251 “Popeye Sparkler” pre-war squeeze sparker toy manufactured by J. Chein & Co. of Harrison, New Jersey.    

When the squeeze lever is pushed the flint disks spin around and cause sparks in Popeye’s eye, nose, and pipe. This is fully working.  

This piece is in 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 are to be expected from age and play. This is approximately 6″ H x 3 ½” W.  We invite you to view the photos to further determine 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 line of comic and circus tin toys received wide acceptance in the 1930’s and leading up to World War II.

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

In 1979, toy manufacturing was phased out entirely. Then in the late 1980’s, Chein Industries, Inc. was sold to the Atlantic Can Company, who 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 then purchased by Ellisco, In. of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, which was a division of CSS Industries, Inc. In 1994, CSS then sold Ellisco to the U.S. Can Company of Baltimore, Maryland, who continues to produce stamped metal products. 

Additional information

Weight 1 lbs
Dimensions 7 × 7 × 6 in
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