Monkey Riding Velocipede Bell Toy (Deluxe Variation)

Circa 1883: The J. & E. Stevens Company's scarce Monkey Riding Velocipede bell toy is usually found decorated with a japanned surface, but this deluxe 8 color painted variation is especially rare. Because of its delicacy, this early cast iron pull toy often has breaks and repairs, but this example is completely original, including the excellent painted and japanned surface, with no chips, cracks, repairs, replacements, or paint touch ups. It's only apology is a small and nearly unnoticable iron burr on one spoke of the proper right rear wheel that wasn't ground away at the factory and was japanned in the manufacturing process. Measuring 8"H x 8"L x 3 5/8"D, this handsome bell toy always appears larger in person than it does in photos, has a wonderfully sculptural and kinetic appeal, is in great working order, and is stamped "Pat. July. 24. 83." on the front wheel. It would be difficult to find a better example of this wonderfully whimsical monkey riding tricycle bell toy.