Vintage 1930s Roly-Poly “Fireman Mouse” Figure – Early Weeble-Type Toy, Disney-Era (Possibly Pixyland-Kew)
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A delightful and unusual pre-war novelty figure, this small hand-painted mouse dressed as a fireman dates from around 1933–1938, during the height of early Disney-era character mania. The rounded weighted base allows it to wobble and right itself – a charming precursor to the modern “Weeble” toy.
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🐭 Description
This miniature figure depicts a black mouse with a white face and a bright yellow fireman’s helmet, standing atop a spherical body that conceals a small internal weight. The construction is two-part cast, fused along a fine seam, with no tin crimping or rivet – a clear sign that it was slush-cast in lead or composition, not tinplate. The surface shows the gentle patina and wear expected from an authentic 1930s toy.
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🧾 Historical Context
The early 1930s saw a worldwide explosion of cartoon character merchandising following Walt Disney’s Steamboat Willie (1928). In Britain, companies such as Johillco, Pixyland-Kew, and Britains Ltd produced hollow-cast lead figures of Mickey Mouse, Minnie, and later Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. At the same time, other toymakers experimented with roly-poly or “tumbler” versions, which could wobble and right themselves thanks to a hidden weight inside the body.
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This particular figure, with its spherical base and two-part cast form, corresponds closely to Pixyland-Kew–type roly-poly novelties rather than Johillco’s traditional flat-based style. The mouse’s design clearly borrows from Mickey’s familiar features and attire, suggesting it was either an early licensed or inspired “Fireman Mickey” produced for the British market.
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The piece was acquired together with a Johillco Snow White and Seven Dwarfs lead set, indicating it was sold or played with in the same period — most likely as part of a broader collection of late-1930s character figures.
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🎨 Features
Date: Circa 1933–1938
Material: Lead or composition with internal weight
Height: Approx. 3 cm
Colours: Black body, white face, yellow fireman’s helmet
Function: Weighted roly-poly (early weeble-type)
Origin: Probably British (Pixyland-Kew style) or continental European (German influence possible)
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💎 Condition
Good vintage condition for its age. Hand-painted finish with some age-related paint loss and small nicks; stable overall and still self-rights beautifully. No repairs or restoration.
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📚 Collectability
These early roly-poly figures are much rarer than standard flat-based lead toys, offering a fascinating link between 1930s casting craftsmanship and the later plastic Weebles of the 1970s. They are sought after by Disneyana, pre-war toy, and character figure collectors alike.