One of many kitty corners that litter
the Birnkrant home. Here friendly FELIXES
"frolic" and shake their little tails on
the catwalk.
At left,
a cornucopia of early comic character toys, candy
containers and articulated dolls.
Top right, "OSWALD
THE LUCKY (to be here) RABBIT." He represents
the earliest known Disney-inspired merchandise.
Bottom right, a
sensational CHARLIE CHAPLIN carousel figure in
polychromed wood and cast iron.
Left,
this big "LITTLE KING" prototype painted
tin and wood windup is seven inches tall. Right, the fabulous Hestwood
marionettes: Pluto, Horace, Mickey, Clarabell,
Minnie, and Donald strut their stuff for an audience
of stuffed Mickeys.
Eighteen beautiful BROWNIES atop an
elegant elephant! We dont' know if the awesome terra
cotta sculpture was related to politics when it was
created in the 1890's, but we do feel it would
definitely be a major "candidate" for
"World's Best Brownie Item" today.
In 1902 the popular comic character
HAPPY HOOLIGAN became the latest puppet to join the
troupe of Gus White's Punch and Judy Comic Family. He
was ultimately the last.
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Acknowledgement: Mel
Birnkrant is a toy designer and inventor. The toys he
collects serve as an inspiration and play a major role in
the items he creates. The authors, Doug and Pat Wengel,
enjoy collecting early images of Mickey and his friends.
They are also dealers in vintage character collectibles.
All photographs © Mel
Birnkrant
Some of the toys © the Walt Disney Company
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