The Family Collection of the late Countess Mountbatten of Burma
The Family Collection of the late Countess Mountbatten of Burma
A rare TM (Masudaya) battery-operated tin-plate Radicon Robot, Japan, circa 1958
Auction Closed
March 24, 08:41 PM GMT
Estimate
4,000 - 6,000 GBP
Lot Details
Description
A rare TM (Masudaya) battery-operated tin-plate Radicon Robot
Japan, circa 1958
the underside impressed Japan, with remote control also impressed Japan and two detachable receiving 'antenna', in original colour-printed fitted brightly printed box of issue, not tested
37cm. high; box 16cm. high, 48cm. wide, 26cm. deep.
In the early decades following World War II, the period from which the present lot dates, Japanese toy manufacturers excelled themselves in the design and construction of tin-plate toys. They had financial support from the US for this burgeoning industry, which also benefited from preferential export rates to the US. This permanence in the mass production of tin-plate and in constructing battery-powered motors allowed Japanese makers to lead the market for sophisticated gadgets for children. The ‘Radicon Robot’ demonstrates this expertise and expresses the romance and fascination for all things ‘Space-Age’ in that post-war period of technological advancement and excitement.
The marketing on the box boldly proclaims "THE FIRST AND ONLY COMPLETE RADIO REMOTE CONTROL TOY". Arguably this is amongst the first of its type, heralding the arrival of remote controlled, futuristic, toys for children.