Two Tin Toy Typists Tirelessly Tapping

On occasion of today's 146th anniversary of the typewriter patent, these two typing ladies recount its history while sitting with their textbook posture tirelessly tapping away. Both of these mechanical novelty toys are made of litho embossed tin measuring only 2.5" wide. By squeezing the mechanism on the reverse, the woman's arm and hand move up and down at the keyboard, producing a loud clicking sound. A small prong at the bottom permits each to stand upright. One is from Germany and designed and printed with greater detail. The second, nearly identical typist with the deco-patterned dress is from Italy. Both were sold recently in separate auctions from Hake's Americana & Collectible auctions for undoubtedly more than their original cost. You go girls!

A Velveteen Rabbit

For sale 

Velveteen rabbit. Needs good home. Ears permanently flopped and has obvious signs of being well-loved. Smartly attired, yet missing red buttons and one torn suspender. Reads at four year-old level, and comes with own book. Inquire within.

Bet You Can't Print Just One

Novelty stamp pads and printing sets have long been familiar toys for young children, and often were the first introduction most of us had to the world of printing and moveable type if you came of age before computers (BC.) The pleasure of printing multiples of anything by hand endowed us with a certain privilege and entitlement. Even the lowly potato gained a lofty respect the first time I discovered it was a printmaking tool. I wouldn't trade an entire plate of french fries for that moment. 

Yes kids, 1935 was a world without spellcheck. 

All stamp pads and sets displayed are from the Letterology Archives with exception of the most Excellent Self-inking Stamp Pad, currently on eBay. The Dutch Drukkerij set, and the King Novelty Stamp Set, were both eBay posts from long ago. Oh, and Mr. Potato Skull here, who has undoubtedly made the best impression of all.  

Rare Bookstalls

A little reading material from some very collectible bookstalls and newstands. Designed for model train stations, as it is a small world after all. 
::All images from Vectis Auctions of collectible toys, with exception to the diecast WH Smith newstand which is available on eBay.   

The Little Toy Bookmobile

I have to admit, this charming toy bookmobile is way cuter than even the Penguin Bookmobile I posted below. All that it's missing is a license plate that reads ABC. This Children Books Service Car (Yes, children, don't spell like this at home!) was spotted on eBay back in 2008 by Benjamin Clark of the wonderful Exile Bibliophile. He claims this toy library on wheels eventually closed at $710 by the end of the auction. And worth every dime! It was made in Japan, probably for the American market, and the seller pegged it from the 1950s. The condition of the box and the bookmobile is incredible considering its' 60 plus years of age. They just don't make toys like this anymore, with such charm and character and peculiarity. The little girl on the side of the truck looks absolutely terrified of the two books in front of her, Tom Sawyer and Anne (of Green Gables?). She's probably thinking, "See children run. Run children, run. Run away quickly. Here comes Mr. Bookmobile!"