J. Chein Tin Lithographed Windup Native on Alligator *SOLD*

J. Chein Tin Lithographed Windup Native on Alligator

We have for you a tin, lithographed, windup native on alligator that was manufactured by J. Chein & Co. of Harrison, New Jersey.      

When wound with its dedicated key this snappy alligator rolls forward with his native rider on his back reigning him in. The windup mechanism on this works well, the alligators mouth opens and closes as he travels forward.

This piece is in great 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 15 ¼” L. We invite you to view the photos to further determine quality and condition.        

A brief history of J. Chein and Company of Harrison, New Jersey: 

J. Chein & Co. was founded in a loft in New York City, New York by Julius Chein. They produced toys from 1903 until about 1979. Chein specialized in tin mechanical toys, banks, drums, and tea sets. Chein’s tin toys were mostly lithographed. Chein`s line of comic and circus tin toys received wide acceptance in the 1930s and leading up to World War II.

In 1907, Chein moved to its full production plant to Harrison, New Jersey. In the 1920s and early 1930s, Chein produced a popular line of toys under the “Hercules” name, rather than their own name. In the 1970’s Chein became known as Chein Industries, Inc.     

In 1979, toy manufacturing was phased out entirely. Then in the late 1980s, Chein Industries, Inc. was sold to the Atlantic Can Company, which then changed its name to Atlantic Cheinco Corporation. The company was beset with problems with manufacturing resulting from environmental issues. Due to their issues, in 1992 they filed for bankruptcy protection. Atlantic Cheinco Corporation’s assets were then purchased by Ellisco, Inc. of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, which was a division of CSS Industries, Inc. In 1994, CSS then sold Ellisco to the U.S. Can Company of Baltimore, Maryland, which continues to produce stamped metal products.