Nomura (TN) Tin Lithographed Battery Operated “Thunderbird Speedster Automatic Action” Japanese Toy with Mismatched Box *SOLD*

Nomura (TN) Tin Lithographed Battery Operated “Thunderbird Speedster Automatic Action” Japanese Toy with Mismatched Box 

We have a very interesting mechanical, tin, lithographed, battery operated “Thunderbird Speedster Automatic Action” with mismatched box manufactured by Nomura Toy Industrial Co., Ltd. (T.N) of Tokyo Japan.  

When switched on, this working example starts and stops with illuminated lights. The black rubber tires are still intact, but as per usual with toys of this age they may have petrified, warped and cracked. We did not notice any warping or cracks upon inspection. Battery compartment is clean and free of corrosion. The box is not a match to the car but in good-great professionally refurbished condition in cellophane.   The top left box lid edge was repaired with a splice of replacement paper.

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 play. This is approximately 11″ 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.