Proverbial comic character toy of the era “Happy Hooligan” was recreated by the Schoenhut Toy Company at the turn of the century calling them a “Rolly Dolly” that today we call “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. “Happy Hooligan” was an early 1900’s popular newspaper cartoon character, portrayed as a happy go lucky hobo who endeared himself to young children. At 10″ high, this is considered one of the larger Schoenhut “Rolly Dollys”.
Made of paper mache, Albert Schoenhut, founder of Schoenhut Toy Company in 1872, developed these popular toys around 1900 through the 1920’s; the company falling victim to the depression and going out of business in 1935.
The composition nature of their manufacture caused “Rolly Dollys” to deteriorate, consequently, few complete untouched examples are extant. This example of “Happy Hooligan” is completely original with no repairs, no restoration and no repaint or touch up of any kind. There is the commonplace slight separation at the join in the neck (see images), but all in all very sound.
The body is hand painted rose moave, with yellow buttons and flesh colored hands, while the face is nicely detailed with black eyes, eyebrows, forehead, with red lips and a grey hat.
I have examined with a loop and under black light and can attest to the fact that this is one of the better condition examples you will find; with almost all of it’s paint in order; see upon request a short video to watch it “roll” as it was played with by children; welcome addition to a fine quality toy or folk art collection.
Dimensions: 10″ high x 5″ 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.