Character Toy thumbnail 1
Image of Gallery in South Kensington
On display at Young V&A
Imagine Gallery, Adventure, Case 8

This object consists of 3 parts, some of which may be located elsewhere.

Character Toy

ca. 1935 (manufactured)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

A mechanical figure of a mouse drinking from a mug, with a clockwork mechanism in its body. The head, upper body and arms are covered with a pale grey velveteen. It is wearing red felt trousers. The eyes are metal beads, and the nose is of black thread. The other facial features are all hand painted. Attached by a wire to both hands is a grey ceramic mug. When wound up, the mouse raises and lowers the mug at regular intervals and appears to be drinking, and also vibrates. With the mouse is a cardboard box which is not the original.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Parts
This object consists of 3 parts.
(Some alternative part names are also shown below)
  • Mechanical Toy
  • Clockwork Toy
  • Mechanical Toy Box
  • Mechanical Toy Key
Materials and techniques
Painted metal and fabric
Brief description
Clockwork figure of a mouse drinking from a mug made by Schuco about 1935
Physical description
A mechanical figure of a mouse drinking from a mug, with a clockwork mechanism in its body. The head, upper body and arms are covered with a pale grey velveteen. It is wearing red felt trousers. The eyes are metal beads, and the nose is of black thread. The other facial features are all hand painted. Attached by a wire to both hands is a grey ceramic mug. When wound up, the mouse raises and lowers the mug at regular intervals and appears to be drinking, and also vibrates. With the mouse is a cardboard box which is not the original.
Dimensions
  • Height: 110mm
  • Width: 45mm
  • Depth: 80mm
Production typeMass produced
Marks and inscriptions
  • 'SCHUCO PATENT' (on right foot)
  • 'MADE IN GERMANY' (on left foot)
Credit line
Given by the manufacturer
Production
Reason For Production: Retail
Subject depicted
Collection
Accession number
MISC.103-1975

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Record createdFebruary 9, 2004
Record URL
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