1970s Yone Lithographed Tin British Royal Guardsman Wind-Up Toy – Made in Japan

This charming wind-up tin toy portrays a stylised British Royal Guardsman, complete with red uniform, tall black bearskin hat, and white cross belt. Manufactured in Japan during the 1970s by Yone (Yonezawa Toys), this figure exemplifies the bright litho printing and whimsical design characteristic of Japan’s post-war tin toy exports.

The toy is marked “YONE 2224 – MADE IN JAPAN” within a diamond logo on the back and ispowered by a key-wind mechanism that makes the guardsman march forward when wound. It stands approximately 100 mm high x 70 mm wide x 40 mm deep, made entirely of lithographed tin with black plastic feet.

Yone (a shortened form of Yonezawa) was among Japan’s prominent mid-century tin toy manufacturers, producing playful mechanical figures for export markets throughout the1960s–1970s. This example remains in excellent condition with only minor age wear to the lithography and retains its vibrant colours and strong wind-up action. A delightful piece of mid-century craftsmanship representing Japan’s toy industry at its height and Britain’s enduring pop-culture symbolism.

Features

• Manufacturer: Yone (Yonezawa Toys), Japan

• Model Number: PC-2224

• Material: Lithographed tin with plastic base

• Mechanism: Wind-up (key-operated walking motion)

• Dimensions: 100 mm high x 70 mm wide x 40mm deep

• Markings: “YONE 2224 – MADE IN JAPAN”within diamond logo

• Condition: Excellent – minor light wear consistent with age

• Box: Original box included

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