c.1955 Suzuki & Edwards, Battery Operated Flying Jeep in Original Box
Awesome Battery Operated Flying Jeep with Mystery Action manufactured by Suzuki and Edwards, Japan. Super rare toy it's the first example I've seen. It's in near mint condition complete with its near mint box plus insert. And best of all it works great! The toy features "mystery action" meaning that it travels randomly in any direction; either straight or in circles, forwards or reverse. Essentially its a single occupant USAF circular vehicle. The 3-dimensional pilots sits with arms forward "at the controls". Polished chrome railings on either side prevent "prevent him from being ejected." He wears a white helmet, wide goggles, and a gray uniform. It's lithoed with USAF insignia. Four small wheels, 2 fixed and 2 pivoting provide his randomized movements. It uses a single D-cell battery and has a start/stop lever in the back. The cool box illustration shows the Flying Jeep skimming over the country side with the pilot at the controls. The insert consists of a strip of cardboard with stapled ends forming a circle. Even more mysterious than its "mysterious action" is who actually made the toy? The Suzuki and Edwards trademark plus "Made in Japan" were lithoed onto the toy. The box was printed with the K.S.S. trademark of Komoda Toys, but was blacked out at the time it was manufactured. There are no other identifying marks on the box. Don Hultzman's Collectors Guide to Battery Operated Toys indicates that the Flying Jeep was produced by Nomura. I don't know why these discrepancies exist, but Suzuki and Edwards seem to be the most likely manufacturer. Size: 4" tall, 3" diameter. Sold: Sep. 2012
Price Sold: $ 662
