Posted 13 years ago
ninafranco
(1 item)
I got this at a yard sale in the 70's from my next door neighbor--an old yankee in his 90's who bought it for his grandson back in the fifties. He was really fussy about his belongings and this was in great shape--just a little wear around the hat. (I now wish I bought the old board games he had--they were in perfect condition!!!) I knew it was valuable even back then but before the internet it was hard to figure exactly how much. I once saw a reference to a "rare" red one worth 30,000 dollars but I believe that with the advent of ebay everyone started searching their attics bringing down the prices on all of these things. He still works fine--I had a old clock key that I used to check it out. He walks via a pin in his foot. Anyone have any info on this particular model?
Hello ninafranco,
We can an interview that mentioned this robot. :)
http://www.collectorsweekly.com/articles/attack-of-the-vintage-toy-robots-justin-pinchot-on-japans-coolest-postwar-export/
Atomic Robot Man might have been designed before World War II, but it was released shortly thereafter. ... (It was one of two) very, small clockwork windup toys with “pin” feet that make them walk or, more accurately, sort of waddle back and forth.
They are two models one with the arms in cast iron (like yours) and one with the arms molded in tin.
It's considered the second robot toy produced and was made in occupied Japan after the WWII.
Yours is in very good condition :)
I am speechless. Thank you for sharing your incredible find.