ALPS Tin Lithographed Windup “Telephone Bear” in Box *SOLD*

ALPS Tin Lithographed Windup “Telephone Bear” in Box

This piece is a  tin, lithographed, windup “Telephone Bear” in box that was manufactured by ALPS/Alps Shoji Ltd. of Japan.   

The bear is tin with brown faux fur skin, a striped cloth shirt, and lithographed shoes, pants, and hands. In his hand is a lithographed telephone. There is a dedicated key to wind him up. When wound up he lifts the phone receiver up and down as his mouth moves. The clockwork mechanism inside is strong and he works smoothly. It is quite interesting to see him do his thing. The box is in very good condition.

This piece is in very good 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 is to be expected from age and display. This is approximately 6 ½”. We invite you to view the photos to further determine quality and condition.   

A brief history of ALPS/Alps Shoji Ltd. of Japan: 

ALPS made battery-operated mechanical toys (robots, cars, musical chimps, clowns, wind-up animals) and produced some of the better-quality Japanese toys throughout the post-war years. Alps Shoji Ltd. Tokyo, Japan was founded in 1948 and specialized in toy vehicles and novelties.