c.1959 Alps, Smoking & Shoe Shining Panda Bear in Original Box
Classic multiple action battery operated "Smoking and Shoe Shining Panda Bear" manufactured by Alps, Japan. Toy is in near mint+ condition with everything working! Includes original box and original two-piece insert. Figural panda (black and white) bear sits on a brick stoop while leisurely buffing his shoes and smoking his pipe. Bear has faux flocked fur and wears original flannel overalls with felt buttons and heart, with yellow and red bow tie. He has his original plastic eyes and pipe, celluloid snout, a catalin brush with original bristles in each paw, and nickel plated bell. His shoes and base are tin litho. Actions include raising left shoe, both hands move left and right to simulate shoe shining. Simultaneously he bends his head forward and down to "see" what he's doing. At the same time a puff of mechanical smoke is emitted from the metal tube in his mouth. The left leg is hinged so that it too moves from the wagging of the other three limbs. Of course, the bell in his left hand rings with his shining action. The rear of the base is marked with the Alps mountain trademark plus and addition "R.F" logo. I couldn't find a reference for this second mark. The box has a great cartoon illustration of the panda shining and smoking while looking straight ahead (like a deer caught in a headlight). He sits on a city street stoop as a rabbit in overalls watches nearby. The right apron points out the actions of "smokes pipe" and "shines shoes", as well as loading and operation of the batteries. The opposite apron shows the panda, now with shined shoes, walking down the street smoking his pipe. The front apron still has its original $1.88 Penny's price sticker on it. Size: 11". Sold: Mar. 2010
Price Sold: $ 153
