Antique Schoenhut "Humpty Dumpty Collection" Dark Lion Circus Toy c.1903-1935
ABOUT
Jointed wooden lion manufactured in the 1900s by the Schoenhut Piano Company as part of the "Humpty Dumpty Circus" collection. Made from carved wood with original hand painted finish, articulated joints and head for posing and rush tail.
More circus animals available in Curiosities.
- CREATOR Albert Schoenhut for the Schoenhut Piano Co.
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DATE OF MANUFACTURE c.1903-1935.
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MATERIALS AND TECHNIQUES Wood, Paint.
- CONDITION Good. Wear consistent with age and use. Stringing elastic bands are in good working condition.
- DIMENSIONS H 5 in. W 6.25 in. D 2 in.
HISTORY
Born in 1848, Albert Schoenhut came from a toy-making family in Wurtenberg, Germany. He was invited to come to Philadelphia in 1866 to repair toy pianos for the John Wanamaker department store. By 1872 he started his own toy piano company. This small company expanded to make other musical instruments, wooden “character” dolls, circus figures, doll houses and doll furniture, push and pull toys, and a wide variety of other toys.
One of Schoenhut’s most popular toys was the Humpty Dumpty Circus set, sold from 1903 until 1935, when the company declared bankruptcy. Schoenhut used his genius for creating new toys to capture the interest of the buying public. The hand-painted circus toys connected to everyone’s love of the American circus with acrobats, clowns and preforming animals.
