Nomura (TN) Hadson Early 1950’s Sears Tin Lithographed Friction Airforce Jeep Japanese Toy *SOLD*

Nomura (TN) Hadson Early 1950’s Sears Tin Lithographed Friction Airforce Jeep Japanese Toy 

We have a very desirable, early 1950’s large sized, tin, lithographed, friction U.S. Airforce Jeep manufactured by Nomura Toy Industrial Co., Ltd. (T.N) of Tokyo Japan and imported to the U.S. for Sears Roebuck & Co. by Hadson Trading Co. Ltd.  

This Jeep comes to us from the original owner. This is not marked by Nomura (T.N) but we have determined it to be manufactured by them and imported for Sears by Hadson (marked). The black rubber tires (and rear spare) are still intact, but as per usual with toys of this age they may have petrified, discolored, warped and/or cracked. We did not notice any issues with the tires. The friction is mediocre on this, but that is often expected with older Japanese toys. 

This piece is in excellent 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 display. This is approximately 11 ½” L. We invite you to view the photos to further determine quality and condition.       

A brief history of Nomura Toy Industrial Co., Ltd. (T.N) of Tokyo Japan:   

Nomura Toy Industrial Co., Ltd. of Tokyo, Japan, also known at TN, was one of the biggest and most prolific of all postwar Japanese toy makers. Nomura is believed to have manufactured toys from the late 1940’s through the 1970’s. The letters “T.N” within the diamond logo means that the company is often referred to as TN or Toys Nomura. A wide range of tinplate toys had this logo emblazoned on its boxes whilst its later die cast toys simply featured ‘Nomura toy’ on their boxes.   

Nomura was an early manufacturer in the tin toy world of Japan. They opened their doors in the late 1940’s and quickly dominated the marketplace with colorful, original tin toy vehicles. They produced a wide variety of mechanical and battery (Electromobile) operated toys, military and civilian vehicles, space toys, and novelty items. They are responsible for many Astro Boy and Tetsujin 28 toys. As well as, creating many Robby robot and Sparky robot toys; all were classics.   

By the mid 1970′s, like many other Japanese toy companies, it had to make the move into die cast in order to survive.  Their toys designs have even reappeared with the company Masudaya Modern Toys (MT). Nomura continued in one form or another until 1992 when they were bought out by the largest toy company of the time Hasbro.