Vintage hard to find “Rolly Dolly” Toy; unknown German maker, circa 1915; I have named “Dapper Clown”; this is one of the more rare “Rolly Dolly’s” (really rare in this condition). Today we call these toys “Roly Poly’s”. You knock them over and they always “right” themselves and get upright; probably after the 17th C. Japanese “Daruma Dolls” at some level.
I’m not sure of the actual thematic genesis of this character, but the excellent condition, very simply, separates this from any other similar Roly Poly’s, Watch the attached video to see how it was played with to better appreciate the condition. 8″ high puts it in the “taller” category for this toy.
Made of paper mache, makers of these roly poly’s were produced quite prolifically by the same type of German cottage industry that produced Noah’s Arc toys.
The composition nature of their manufacture caused “Rolly Dollys” to deteriorate, consequently, few complete untouched examples are extant. This example of “Dapper Clown” is completely original with no repairs, no restoration and no repaint or touch up of any kind.
The rotund body and full face of the toy is in 99% of its original brightly hand painted colors; look at the face (ridiculous complete condition!) yellow cheeks, green chin, red lips, blue eyes with black highlights and eyebrows; all on a white backdrop. A red hat with a black band, and a black simulated bow tie with a lovely blue vest, and a yellow rounded base, completes the coloring. There is even an ever so slight remnant of a feather in his hat which is still intact. Highly unusual to have this much original paint considering the nature of playing with the toy (see images).
I have examined with a loop and under black light and can attest to the fact that this is one of the top condition examples you will find of this “Rolly Dolly” with almost all of it’s paint in order.
Wonderful, unique and attractive colorful rare piece to add to your collection of toys and/or folk art
Dimensions: 8″ high x 4 1/2″ wide x 4 1/2″ deep.
Note: After 40 plus years of dealing and collecting toys, I am justly qualified to guarantee and present the authenticity of antique and vintage toys and children’s playthings; important considering the fakes and reproductions in the marketplace. This is from my own collection.
See my other listings of vintage toys.