Not currently on display at the V&A

Character Toy

1930-1935 (manufactured)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

This is a figure of a clown playing a drum containing a clockwork mechanism in its body.
The clown is dressed in a red felt jacket and black and white checked trousers. On his head is a black felt circle with a red pom pom. Attached to his front is a painted metal drum and he holds a drum stick in each hand. On the left hip is a paper disc bearing the catalogue number 986/7 73.90. His hair is of orange wool stuck to the head and his face is painted to resemble that of a clown When wound up he beats the drum in a rhythmic fashion and vibrates. He is in a Schuco cardboard box which is not the original one.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Parts
This object consists of 3 parts.

  • Mechanical Toy
  • Mechanical Toy Box
  • Mechanical Toy Key
Materials and techniques
Painted metal and fabric
Brief description
Clockwork toy clown playing a drum made in Germany by Schuco between 1930 and 1935
Physical description
This is a figure of a clown playing a drum containing a clockwork mechanism in its body.
The clown is dressed in a red felt jacket and black and white checked trousers. On his head is a black felt circle with a red pom pom. Attached to his front is a painted metal drum and he holds a drum stick in each hand. On the left hip is a paper disc bearing the catalogue number 986/7 73.90. His hair is of orange wool stuck to the head and his face is painted to resemble that of a clown When wound up he beats the drum in a rhythmic fashion and vibrates. He is in a Schuco cardboard box which is not the original one.
Dimensions
  • Height: 12.7cm
Production typeMass produced
Marks and inscriptions
  • 'SCHUCO PATENT' (on the right foot)
  • 'MADE IN GERMANY' (on the left foot)
Credit line
Given by the manufacturer
Subjects depicted
Collection
Accession number
MISC.102-1975

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Record createdFebruary 9, 2004
Record URL
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