1917KiCo (Germany), The new Billard [sp.] Champion in Original Box
![1917KiCo (Germany), The new Billard [sp.] Champion in Original Box](files/cms_files/images/kiko billiard champion_1.jpg)
German, Hubert Kienberger Co., Nuremberg. Outstanding example of KiCo's classic clockwork toy "The New Billard Champion" in excellent+ to near mint condition. Includes scarce original box with 100% of its original paper label. Notice the misspelling of Billard for Billiard. Includes one original ball (not shown) and three replacement balls. Best of all it works great! Cleverly designed toy features full figured Edwardian gentleman standing at one end of a billiards table. A tilted clockwork powered metal arm underneath the table rises up to return the ball to the player. The same motor pulls and releases the cue stick arm to strike the ball. The motor synchronizes both actions making it appear that the player waits until the ball is in place before he shoots. The five billiard holes are embossed with numbers for scoring. At least one other version of this toy was produced by KiCo with different lithography. An earlier and slightly larger KiCo version was produced around 1912 which had the mechanism located inside the players body, rather than below the table. The earlier version was called The Great Dillard Champion. Which is why this toy was named The New Billiard Champion. At least three additional German company's also produced the toy in larger sizes using an Archimedes screw to raise the ball. Early European style pressed paper box includes all 12 of its original 90º angle corner staples. The paper label shows a young lad with the KiCo trademark on his chest and balancing the toy on his right forearm. This is only the second complete box I've found for this toy. The last time was 12 years ago. It originally sold for 25¢. Size: 6" x 4½" x 2½". Sold: May, 2013
Price Sold: $ 850
