Koyo Metal Co. (K) Comic Character “Circus Henry” on White Elephant Celluloid/Plastic Toy Japan *SOLD*

Vintage Koyo Metal Co. (K) Comic Character “Circus Henry” on White Elephant Celluloid/Plastic Toy Japan

This is a wonderful vintage celluloid wind-up “Circus Henry” on white elephant with mahout made by Koyo Metal Co.\Koyo Kinzoku Co., Ltd. of Japan. 

When wound with the included key the elephants head nods up and down taking Henry for a ride. The mahout on the back is attached via its original cord that comes out the back of the elephant and is attached to the tail. It does not move forward on its own as it was not designed to do so. The wind-up is strong and everything works as it should. The metal hooks within the head that hold the head to the body and facilitate the nodding action are original and still holding strong. The colors are super strong and the paint and over spray is common on these toys. It is marked on the left hand side of the elephants belly with “Japan” and the Koyo Metal Co.\Koyo Kinzoku Co., Ltd. “K” logo.

Our example of this Circus Henry celluloid windup is in great original condition with no repairs, restorations or touch ups. We did note that there is an area by where the key goes that is missing with a small crack. This piece shows the usual patina, dust, chips, scuffs, scratches, and wear that are to be expected from age and display. It is approximately 8 ¼” L x 4 ¼” H. This would be a great addition to any celluloid/plastic collection. We invite you to view the photos to further determine quality and condition.

A brief history of the character Henry by Carl Anderson:

Henry was a comic strip created in 1932 by Carl Thomas Anderson. The title character is a young bald boy who is mute (and sometimes drawn minus a mouth). With the exception of a few early episodes, the comic strip character communicates only through pantomime, a situation which changed when Henry moved into comic books.

The Saturday Evening Post was the first publication to feature Henry, a series which began when Anderson was 67 years old. The series of cartoons continued in that magazine for two years in various formats of single panel, multiple panels or two panels.