The toy is simply made with a base and a platform above it and two uprights. One upright is attached to both the base and platform and the other is only attached to the platform. Between the top ends of the uprights is twisted and knotted a loop of string. The uprights, base and platform are painted black, with the edges of the platform and base painted white. From the string hangs the figure; the string passes through two holes in each of its `hands'. The figure consists of a head and body, two arms and two legs, loosely jointed to the body. It is carved and painted white and black to show a comic mouse, an early version of Mickey Mouse. To operate, squeeze the lower uprights together; this tightens the loop of string and makes the figure move around the string to appear to be an acrobat.