Nomura (TN) Tin Lithographed Friction “Artillery Jeep” in Box *SOLD*

Nomura (TN) Tin Lithographed Friction “Artillery Jeep” in Box

This piece is a tin, lithographed, friction “Artillery Jeep” military Jeep with cannon that was manufactured by Nomura Toy Industrial Co., Ltd. (T.N) of Tokyo Japan.    

The black rubber tires are still intact, but as per usual with toys of this age, they may have petrified, discolored, warped, and/or cracked. We did not notice any issues with the tires, the wheels turn as they should, and the friction motor works.

The box is in good condition.

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 is to be expected from age and display. This is approximately 15 ½” L. We invite you to view the photos to further determine quality and condition.        

A brief history of Nomura Toy Industrial Co., Ltd. (T.N) of Tokyo Japan:    

Nomura Toy Industrial Co., Ltd. of Tokyo, Japan, also known as TN, was one of the biggest and most prolific of all postwar Japanese toy makers. Nomura is believed to have manufactured toys from the late 1940s through the 1970s. The letters “T.N” in the diamond logo means that the company is often called TN or Toys Nomura. A wide range of tinplate toys had this logo emblazoned on their boxes whilst its later die-cast toys simply featured ‘Nomura toy’ on their boxes.    

Nomura was an early manufacturer in the tin toy world of Japan. They opened their doors in the late 1940s and quickly dominated the marketplace with colorful, original tin toy vehicles. They produced a wide variety of mechanical and battery (Electromobile) operated toys, military and civilian vehicles, space toys, and novelty items. They are responsible for many Astro Boy and Tetsujin 28 toys. As well as, creating many Robby the Robot and Sparky robot toys; all were classics.    

By the mid-1970 ′s, like many other Japanese toy companies, it had to move into die-cast to survive.  Their toy designs have even reappeared with the company Masudaya Modern Toys (TM/MT). Nomura continued in one form or another until 1992 when they were bought out by the largest toy company of the time Hasbro.