Nomura (TN) Tin Lithographed Windup Louis Armstrong “Mechanical Trumpet Player” Japanese Toy in Box *SOLD*

Nomura (TN) Tin Lithographed Windup Louis Armstrong “Mechanical Trumpet Player” Japanese Toy in Box 

We have a very interesting tin, lithographed, windup “Mechanical Trumpet Player” Louis Armstrong like character with box that was manufactured by Nomura Toy Industrial Co., Ltd. (T.N) of Tokyo Japan.   

When wound with its dedicated key this working example marches in place kicking is leg up, tipping his hat as his trumpet sounds/squeaks. The hat, frame, base, and shoes are all made of lithographed tin. The clothing is cloth and the trumpet, hands, and face are all plastic. The box is in great condition and is cellophaned to protect it from damage.  

This piece is in great to excellent 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 display. This is approximately 10” H. 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 at 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 1940’s through the 1970’s. The letters “T.N” within the diamond logo means that the company is often referred to as TN or Toys Nomura. A wide range of tinplate toys had this logo emblazoned on its 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 1940’s 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 robot and Sparky robot toys; all were classics.   

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