Matsuzo Kosuge Tin Lithographed Windup Red Coupe Japanese Toy Car *SOLD*

Matsuzo Kosuge Tin Lithographed Windup Red Coupe Japanese Toy Car 

This tin, lithographed, windup red coupe Japanese toy car was manufactured by Matsuzo Kosuge of Tokyo, Japan.

When wound with its dedicated key the car rolls forward. This is the rare headlight version where the headlights are separate and easily snapped off.

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. It is approximately 8 ¾” L x 3 ½” W. We invite you to view the photos to further determine quality and condition.

A brief history of  Matsuzo Kosuge of Japan: 

Matsuzo Kosuge was a master craftsman who could stamp thin sheet steel into a variety of shapes, as well as, making one-piece car bodies without splitting the actual sheet metal. Before the war Kosuge designed models of many American cars by makers like, Cadillac, Buick, Graham-Paige, and Packard to name a few.  What makes this toy so rare is that many toys such as Kosuge’s sheet metal cars were often donated for the war effort for metal. To make it even more difficult to find, many Japanese toys were destroyed due to the anti-Japanese sentiment in this country due to the war. After the war, Kosuge went to work making toys for Marusan, C.K, and others using many of the same designs.