c.1940s OK Toy Co. Celluloid & Tin Wind-Up Baby Carriage with Attendant Doll (Japan)

A charming mid-20th-century Japanese wind-up toy featuring a celluloid baby in a covered pram pushed by an attendant figure, produced by OK Toy Co. during Japan’s post-war export era.

This delightful wind-up toy dates to the 1940s and was manufactured in Japan by OK Toy Co, a prolific exporter of mechanical toys during the pre and post World War II period. The piece is constructed from a combination of painted tinplate and moulded celluloid, featuring a brightly coloured baby carriage topped with a red parasol canopy and suspended lantern-style details. A celluloid attendant figure stands at the rear, pushing the pram via a tin handle connected to the wind-up mechanism.

The toy is marked “Japan” with a diamond-shaped logo, a mark commonly associated with Japanese export toys of this era and frequently linked to OK Toy Co. When wound, the carriage is designed to roll forward, showcasing both movement and visual appeal. The bold colours, playful design, and mechanical action reflect the optimism and craftsmanship of Japanese toy production aimed at international markets in the mid-20th century.

This example remains in excellent condition, with strong colour retention, intact celluloid elements, and a well-preserved tin base. As an increasingly scarce survival due to the fragile nature of celluloid, it represents animportant example of early Japanese mechanical doll and pram toys.

Japanese celluloid toys from the 1940s areincreasingly rare, as the material was later restricted due to flammabilityconcerns. Surviving wind-up examples with original figures and decorativeelements are highly sought after by collectors of mechanical toys and earlydoll accessories.

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Features

Measurements: 120mm x 90mm Square, 120mm high

Condition: Excellent

Markings: Japan Diamond Logo

Date Note: Date is an estimate based on available research and stylistic features. If you have additional information, please contact us to help update our records.

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Made from the following materials

Metal has played a significant role in the history of dolls and toys, with materials like cast iron, tin, and brass being used for centuries to create durable and appealing playthings. Each type of metal has distinct characteristics that have influenced its application in the toy industry, leading to a variety of designs and styles.

Cast Iron

Cast iron was one of the first metals used in toy manufacturing, particularly during the 19th century. Its strength and durability made it ideal for creating toys that could withstand the rigors of play. Cast iron toys were often made using molds, allowing for mass production and the creation of intricate designs. Popular cast iron toys included figurines, toy cars, and trains, many of which featured detailed craftsmanship and decorative paintwork. These toys were not only popular with children but also became collectible items over time, cherished for their historical significance and nostalgic appeal.

Tin

Tin, often used in the form of tinplate, became a favored material for toy manufacturing in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Tin toys were lightweight, affordable, and could be produced in large quantities, making them accessible to a wide audience. Tinplate was often stamped or lithographed with colorful designs, bringing characters and scenes to life. Classic examples of tin toys include wind-up cars, robots, and playful animals, many of which featured moving parts that delighted children. Tin toys remain popular among collectors today, valued for their charm and the artistry involved in their design.

Brass

Brass, an alloy of copper and zinc, has been used in toy making for its attractive appearance and durability. It is particularly well-suited for creating smaller components, such as gears and mechanisms in wind-up toys. The shiny, golden hue of brass gives toys a sense of elegance and sophistication, often seen in decorative pieces and collectibles. While brass dolls are less common than those made from other materials, some artisans have crafted beautiful dolls with brass accents, adding a touch of luxury to their designs.

Throughout history, the use of metal in dolls and toys has allowed for a diverse range of creations, each reflecting the technological advancements and artistic trends of their time. The durability of metal ensures that many of these toys have stood the test of time, allowing them to be enjoyed by new generations of children and collectors alike.

At our museum, we celebrate the legacy of metal dolls and toys, highlighting their role in the evolution of play and the craftsmanship that goes into creating these timeless treasures. From the strength of cast iron to the whimsical designs of tin and the elegance of brass, these materials tell a rich story of creativity and innovation in the world of toys.

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Celluloid, a type of thermoplastic made from camphor and nitrocellulose, emerged in the mid-19th century as one of the first synthetic plastics. Its invention marked a revolutionary development in the toy industry, leading to the production of lightweight, durable, and colourful dolls and toys that captured the imagination of children and collectors alike.

The commercialization of celluloid began in the 1860s, with its use expanding rapidly throughout the following decades. Manufacturers recognized its potential as a substitute for more traditional materials such as wood, cloth, and porcelain. As celluloid was easy to mold and could be produced in a variety of vibrant colors, it quickly became a popular choice for making dolls and toys, significantly impacting the design and aesthetics of playthings during this period.

By the early 20th century, celluloid dolls had gained immense popularity. These dolls were often designed to mimic the appearance of porcelain dolls while being much lighter and more affordable. Celluloid allowed for a wide range of expressions and features, leading to dolls that had more lifelike appearances and intricate detailing. The flexibility of celluloid enabled doll makers to create movable limbs and heads, further enhancing the play experience.

Celluloid also inspired innovative toy designs beyond dolls. During the early to mid-20th century, manufacturers produced a variety of celluloid toys, including miniature animals, figurines, and even playsets. The ability to mass-produce these items made them accessible to a broader audience, solidifying their place in toy history.

Despite its initial success, the use of celluloid began to decline in the late 20th century due to concerns about its flammability and the introduction of safer, more durable synthetic materials. Additionally, the aging process of celluloid can lead to warping and deterioration, which can affect the longevity of toys made from this material. As a result, many collectors today seek vintage celluloid toys for their historical significance and nostalgic value.

Celluloid toys represent a pivotal moment in the evolution of doll and toy making, showcasing the innovative spirit of the early 20th century. These toys not only reflect the technological advancements of their time but also capture the joy and creativity of childhood play. At our museum, we celebrate the legacy of celluloid toys, exploring their impact on design, culture, and the experiences of children across generations.

Country:

Japan

Japan’s history of dolls and toys dates back to 8000 BC with dogu clay figures. From the elegant hina dolls of the Edo period to modern anime-inspired action figures and robotic toys, Japan has mastered the art of blending tradition with cutting-edge innovation.

Okay Toy Company was a Japanese toy manufacturer active mainly in the postwar decades, recognized for its die-cast and tinplate toys. Based in Japan during the mid-20th century, the company contributed to Japan’s reputation as a global center of affordable, high-quality toy production that bridged traditional craftsmanship and industrial mass manufacturing. ### Key facts * **Industry:** Toy manufacturing * **Headquarters:** Japan * **Era of activity:** 1950s–1970s * **Products:** Tinplate and die-cast vehicles, mechanical toys * **Market focus:** Export to North America and Europe ### Historical background Established during Japan’s economic recovery, Okay Toy Company was part of the wave of post-World War II firms that specialized in metal toys. Japanese toymakers of this period gained international traction through detailed yet inexpensive mechanical designs, which appealed to Western importers and collectors. Okay Toy’s name appeared on a range of small vehicles, airplanes, and novelty toys that were distributed worldwide, often through American and European wholesalers. ### Product characteristics Okay Toy’s catalog primarily featured pressed-tin toys with lithographed designs and friction or wind-up mechanisms. Later models incorporated die-cast metal and plastic components, reflecting evolving manufacturing technology. Their toys were known for colorful presentation and durable build, placing them among popular export brands of the 1960s Japanese toy boom alongside companies such as Bandai and Masudaya. ### Legacy and collectibility While the company itself ceased operations decades ago, Okay Toy’s products remain sought after by collectors of vintage Japanese tin and die-cast toys. Items bearing its mark are valued for period authenticity and craftsmanship, representing a formative era in Japan’s toy-export industry that laid groundwork for later global leaders in play and model manufacturing.

Produced by:

OK Toy Company

Product Code:

T0167

Dimenions:

120(h)

x 90(w)