Wednesday, February 8, 2023

My Jointed Harlequin Clown Pull Toy

Here he is in action. It wasn't easy taking this photo with one hand while pulling the string with the other. This toy is called a JUMPING JACK.


Still view. His head and hat are hand-carved wood. The body parts are jointed metal and everything is hand-painted. I have had him for ages and got him at a house contents sale (on the second day) in a condo that was for sale and under contract nearby. He was mixed up in a pile of kitchen utensils and I was surprised nobody had grabbed him. Lucky me.
xo

U P D A T E: This articulated toy is painted on the back!

Mama Pea left a comment I haven't even published yet asking me if I knew how old this toy might be. When I got up and turned it over to examine the overall condition I found out it was also painted on the back. I had completely forgotten this detail. The head is three dimensional and I love the expression on his face on the blue side. I think it is very old from early to mid 20th century. 
Thanks, Mama Pea (click on the link for her blog). You made me take a closer look and now this toy is twice as nice. 
Happy Thursday morning everyone.
xo

11 comments:

Tasha T said...

Oh, Rosemary, I love your clown! How lucky you were to find him. He looks such fun and congratulations on managing to show him in action while filming.

Content in a Cottage said...

Tasha T -- I'm glad you like my acrobatic tin toy. I was relieved my hand pulling the string didn't get in the action photo. Yes, he was a lucky find. xo, Rosemary

Pam said...

Yes, you were very fortunate to find this keepsake.

Mama Pea said...

Call me an old fuddy-duddy but they don't make toys like this anymore! A real treasure for you to own. He looks to be in such good shape. I don't suppose you have any idea how old he is?

Content in a Cottage said...

Mama Pea -- Thank you so much for making me take a closer look. I think this toy is genuinely old and not a reproduction. Turns out he is painted on the back too with a different expression and a different color for his outfit. I took another photo and updated the listing, giving you credit for making me look. xo, Rosemary

Content in a Cottage said...

Pam, Thank you. He now has a new look on my wall. Mama Pea's comment made me look closer at him. Turns out his outfit is painted a different color on the back. I had completely forgotten that detail. I updated the post with a new photo showing the reverse side. xo, Rosemary

Tasha T said...

Thank you for showing the reverse of this little clown, Rosemary. It's difficult to guess how old he is. I wonder if a kind father made this for his children?

Content in a Cottage said...

Tasha T -- It really is difficult to judge the age of this wonderful jumping jack, especially if it were made by a father for his children. I'm glad you liked seeing the reverse side. xo, Rosemary

annette said...

Your blog put a big smile on my face,today.Thank you,Rosemary!xo

Content in a Cottage said...

annette -- Anytime I can put a smile on your face is a good day. So glad you enjoyed my pull-string puppet. xo, Rosemary

Lisa D. said...

He's wonderful!