May 15th 2016 Premier Coin-Op Sale *Las Vegas (64)
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/14/2016
An interesting advertising item that without a doubt was utilized in a tobacco shop to garner the attention of a prospective customer. The gentleman in nightclothes encounters a mouse coming out of the kitchen cabinet. Surprised, he guffaws open his mouth widely in astonishment exposing his “choppers” all while trying to swat this little rodent with a fly swatter. These clockwork pictures, of which there were many varieties/themes, were usually of German manufacture from the earlier part of the 20th century. Imported to America by various firms who then in turn sold them either as “attention getters” to stores or as in the case of the Schoenhut Toy firm of Philadelphia, merchandised these in their toy catalogs. Here, the “SMOKE RUSH-MORE CIGARS” paper label was an add-on and the intent of the proprietor would have been that this oddity would attract customers, thus increasing sales of the Rush-More Cigar. Overall in very good condition but lacking rear wooden panel that encloses the mechanism.
Condition: (Good).
Item Dimensions: 14" x 5" x 11-½"