Cragstan/Vanda ca. 1960’s “Wacky Melon” Pull Toy in Box *SOLD*

Cragstan/Vanda ca. 1960’s “Wacky Melon” Pull Toy in Box

This piece is a vintage ca. 1960’s Wacky Melon, Cragstan Wacky Pull Toy in box that was manufactured by Vanda of Hong Kong for Cragstan of New York.

Cragstan was a marketing and distribution firm from New York and imported post-war Japanese battery-operated and mechanical friction toys. The company’s main focus was on toys with multiple -mechanical- actions, for example robots. They made sure the company name and logo appeared on their packaging in which they were sold.

This anthropomorphic pull toy from 1965 has moving watermelon slice wings, bouncing antenna and eyes that bulge in and out. This item is marked as made in “British Crown Colony Hong King” The squeaker is still attached but does not work as we fear an animal has gotten a hold of the squeaky part. It does click as its supposed to when pulled forward. The right front side in front of the wheel has a crack, but it does not hinder the wacky action of this watermelon. All stickers are still present and affixed securely.

Our example of this Wacky Melon is in great all original condition with no restorations, repairs, or touch ups. This piece shows the usual patina, dust, chips, scuffs, scratches, and wear that are to be expected from age and play. It is approximately 11” L (with antenna) x 5 ½” W x 5 ½” H. This would be a great and impressive addition to collection. We invite you to view the photos to further determine quality and condition.

A brief history of Cragstan Industries Inc.  of New York City, New York:

1954-1988

Founder: Craig Stanton

Cragstan Industries Inc. or more simply Cragstan was an importing, marketing, and distribution firm from New York that imported post-war Japanese battery-operated and mechanical friction toys. The company’s main focus was on toys with multiple mechanical actions, for example, robots.

In the 1960s Cragstan had branches in New Jersey and California and they then began distributing diecast toys. By the 1980’s they specialized in distributing several types of toys such as tin toys, diecast toys, automotive vehicles, airplanes, trains, rockets, machines, xylophones, walkie-talkies, telescopes, microscopes, film projectors, toy guns, tricycles, space toys, mechanical toys, novelty toys, pull toys, windup toys, water toys, dolls, simulated drag racing sets, toy rocket game sets, toy track sets automobiles, Christmas tree decorations, banks, and water and pool toys. Cragstan made sure the company name and logo appeared on the packaging in which they were sold no matter which manufacturer made them.