1907 A. C. Gilbert Roosevelt Bear Mechanical Balance String Toy
Outstanding mechanical tin litho balancing toy featuring Teddy-B (B for Brown) Roosevelt Bear. Based on President Theodore Roosevelt's famous bear hunting expeditions. Seymour Eaton created the popular Roosevelt Bear comic strip in 1905 which was later compiled into books. Manufactured by A.C. Gilbert who produced several similar toys. It balances perfectly on a thick string (included). 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 backwards. It includes it's original metal safety loop just in back of the front wheel (so if it falls it won't strike the ground) and square lead balancing weight. The bike frame is made from riveted bare metal steel strips. The grooved wheels are lithographed tinplate. I've previously sold three examples of this toy, but this is the first one I've found with tinplate wheels. Typically they're made from pressed zinc. Beautifully detailed with red smoking jacket, yellow and green striped vest with blue collar, white collared shirt and red bow tie. He has dark green calves, olive green thighs, and black arms. A toothy grin and round spectacles complete the Presidential characterization. Size: 4" long x 6¼". With lead weight 9" from top to bottom Date Sold: Mar. 2008
Price Sold: $ 142
