c.1907 A.C. Gilbert, Roosevelt Bear Mechanical Balancing Bicycle Toy (#2)
Outstanding mechanical tin litho balancing toy featuring Teddy-B (brown) Roosevelt Bear. Based on President Theodore Roosevelt's famous bear hunting expeditions, Seymour Eaton created the popular Roosevelt Bear newspaper comic strip in 1905. It ran for 29 weeks in 20 syndicated newspapers. The strips were compiled later into books. The toy was manufactured by A.C. Gilbert who produced several similar toys. It balances perfectly on a thick string. When held at an incline the articulated points at the shoulders, hands, thighs, knees, and feet move in a realistic pumping motion. It can move forward or backward and periodically slides instead of pedals. It includes its original string support loop (so it doesn't fall) and hang down rod with square lead balancing weight. The bike frame is made from riveted bare steel metal strips. The grooved wheels are zinc plated steel to prevent rusting. Beautifully detailed with red smoking jacket, yellow and green striped vest with blue collar, dark green thighs, black legs and arms, and high collar white shirt with tied red bow tie. Toothy grin and round spectacles complete the Presidential characterization. Size: Figure and bicycle 6¾" x 4". Including weight 9" long. Sold: Apr. 2006
Price Sold: $ 210
