Kuramochi Shoten (CK) Tin Lithographed Windup “Town to Town” Clown with Box *SOLD*

Kuramochi Shoten (CK) Tin Lithographed Windup “Town to Town” Clown with Box 

This is a wonderful, tin, lithographed, wind-up “Town to Town” clown with box manufactured by Kuramochi/Kuramochi Shoten/Kuramochi & Co., Ltd. (CK) of Tokyo, Japan. 

When wound with its dedicated key, this clown travels forward, balancing and spinning a box on his nose. It has been tested and it works, but the gear does slip from time to time as happens with these delicate old gears after use. The box is in fair to good condition and has been wrapped and reinforced to preserve the box.  

This piece is in very 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, missing accessories, and wear that are to be expected from age and play. We invite you to view the photos to further determine quality and condition.      

A brief history of Kuramochi/Kuramochi Shoten/Kuramochi & Co., Ltd. (CK) of Tokyo, Japan:  

1920? – 1950? (Please help us pin down dates)  

Founder: Unknown  

Specialty: Kuramochi specialized in a wide range of tin, lead, and celluloid toys during the 1920s and 1930s.Kuramochi is most known for its excellent automobile toys and very early windups from the pre-World War 2 era with imaginative designs.  In 1948, two of its main employees left to form the Japanese toy companies of Nomura and ALPS. We also know that after the war, Matsuzo Kosuge went to work making toys for Marusan, C.K, and others using many of his designs. Due to limited records and information about Kuramochi we were not able to find much more about this company.  

Other names: Company Kuramochi, Kuramochi & Co., Ltd., C.K or CK or C.K. with a diamond.