Not currently on display at the V&A

Merry Mousewife

Pull-Along Toy
1962-1965 (manufactured)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

The Merry Mousewife toy was made between 1962 and 1965 by Fisher-Price. It is a small push along toy with the third version of the Fisher-Price logo on its back. At this time most of the toys made by this firm were still being made from wood, with plastic accessories where appropriate. In the late 1950s Fisher- Price purchased two injection moulding plastic machines and eventually the bulk of toys were made from plastic. The Merry Mousewife is a good example of the type of toy that Fisher-Price were making during the period of transition.


Object details

Categories
Object type
TitleMerry Mousewife (manufacturer's title)
Materials and techniques
Wood, plastic and printed paper
Brief description
Wood and plastic pull along Merry Mousewife toy made in England by Fisher Price between 1962 and 1965
Physical description
A small pull along toy made of wood, with the tail, hat and hands made of plastic. As the toy moves a long a simple mechanism sweeps her brush from side to side. The character Merry Mousewife has been applied on printed paper, with her name written on her apron and the third version of the Fisher Price Logo on the back.
Dimensions
  • Height: 13.2cm
  • Length: 11cm
  • Width: 3.3cm
Production typeMass produced
Marks and inscriptions
The name of the character Merry Mousewife is written on the apron and the third version of the Fisher Price Logo on the back.
Gallery label
This wooden pull-along toy is very typical of its time. When the mouse is pulled by its string, its broom sweeps from side to side. Made in the USA.
Credit line
Given by Naomi Fenton
Subject depicted
Summary
The Merry Mousewife toy was made between 1962 and 1965 by Fisher-Price. It is a small push along toy with the third version of the Fisher-Price logo on its back. At this time most of the toys made by this firm were still being made from wood, with plastic accessories where appropriate. In the late 1950s Fisher- Price purchased two injection moulding plastic machines and eventually the bulk of toys were made from plastic. The Merry Mousewife is a good example of the type of toy that Fisher-Price were making during the period of transition.
Bibliographic reference
John. J. Murray and Bruce. R. Fox, A Historical, Rarity, Value Guide, Fisher-Price 1931 - 1963, pps 158 & 203
Collection
Accession number
B.36-2003

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Record createdJanuary 7, 2004
Record URL
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