c.1958 TPS, Happy Skaters (Skating Rabbit) in Original Box
Of the 10, or so, Japanese clockwork roller skating toys produced during the mid to late 1950's, this Rabbit version is one of the more difficult to find. Especially when it comes complete with its original box. Grading near mint it works and looks fantastic! Like all toys of this type it "skates" on its wheeled left foot, while the right leg pushes off to make ground contact. Mechanically this causes it to dip in a realistic skating motion. The body is all tin litho with its original teal colored satin pants. The TPS trademark is lithoed on the left center back. The left foot has both of its original rubber rimmed wheels (one concealed in the left boot center and another on the right insole of the left foot). Both have rubber all the way around their rims; meaning that the toy works uniformly without stopping, skidding, or hesitation. The color is uniformly faded teal, but satin is really difficult to photograph so it may look yellowish. The only areas of slightly darker teal are along the top edge (above the "belt") on the center front, and center rear. The head has red rubber ears. Both are professional replacements by Joe Freeman. A second version of the toy exists which used felt ears. The box cover shows two skating rabbits whooping it up on a busy city intersection. A car driven by a monkey smoking a pipe is off on the right edge. On the left a police parrot directs traffic while a couple of yellow birds wait to cross. The front and rear aprons show the rabbit happily skating away from the intersection. The side aprons show the rabbit waving at the viewer while reclining with his legs crossed and skates prominently featured. Size: 6¼. Sold: Jul. 2012
Price Sold: $ 293
