Not much is known about the production of these mid-century puppets. They seem to be forerunners to later productions of the more famous Pelham Puppets. They are quite basic in form and structure under their clothes and the bodies appear to be made from a flat wooden block - the feet are also carved wood - and again very simplified. More attention has been applied to the features and vinyl moulded head and hands of each marionette. The strings are fine and attached to a simple wooden bar.
Documentation on their history is quite hard to find - and they were possibly made by a gentleman from the Barnsbury area of Islington in London - a puppet theatre was established there called the Little Angel Theatre in the early 1960s. So there is a possible link with these items being made there in the building's workshop before this date. There seems to have been a history of toy and models production in the Islington neighbourhood.
This puppet is in excellent vintage condition - and comes with its original box and a simple instructions sheet.
The model relates to Jacko the Monkey (who was originally a member of the Bruin Boys, created by artist Julius Stafford Baker. He first appeared in the Daily Mirror newspaper's comics section in April 1904). This puppet though is slightly different and called Totsy, as annotated on the box. He wears a different costume and has more of a toothy grin than you find on the Jacko models.
He is a rare design - and in excellent vintage condition. My price reflects the rarity and the fact that he comes with his original retail box and instructions leaflet. It is a fair price for this model.
Probably more of an item for the specialist puppet or toy collector. Please also see my other one in my store.
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