J. Chein ca. 1930’s Tin Lithographed Windup Barnacle Bill the Sailor *SOLD*

J. Chein ca. 1930’s Tin Lithographed Windup Barnacle Bill the Sailor

We have for you a ca. 1930s tin, lithographed, windup Barnacle Bill the Sailor that was manufactured by J. Chein & Co. of Burlington, New Jersey.    

This is an early working “Barnacle Bill” figural wind-up character toy featuring a Popeye type character with dedicated key. This one is clean and very nice overall with minor scattered wear and paint chips that are expected with age and play. The mechanisms work well and Bill shuffles around as expected when he is wound up. Although this toy is unmarked, it is a known production of Chein.  

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, and wear that are to be expected from age and display. This is approximately 3” W x 6″ H. We invite you to view the photos to further determine quality and condition.    

Click here for Info: New Toy Auction January 12th and 13th, 2024 via Liveauctioneers!   

A brief history of J. Chein and Company:

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 1930’s and leading up to World War II.

In 1907, Chein moved to its full production plant to Harrison, New Jersey. In the 1920’s and early 1930’s, 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 1980’s, Chein Industries, Inc. was sold to the Atlantic Can Company, who 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, In. 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, who continues to produce stamped metal products.