Auction Name: 2026 January 18 Action Figures & Toys Showcase Extended Bidding Auction

Lot Number: 88027

Shortcut to Lot: HA.com/49180*88027

Hercules Mechanical Ferris Wheel Lithograph Tin Toy with Original Box (J. Chein & Co., 1950s). J. Chein & Co. was one of the great American producers of tin litho toys, and their mechanical Ferris Wheels remain among the company's most iconic creations. Brightly printed panels, animated parkgoers, and the oversized smiling "Hercules" face at the hub all exemplify Chein's mid-century amusement-park aesthetic-bold, cheerful, and unmistakably American. These Ferris Wheels were a staple of five-and-dime toy aisles throughout the 1950s, and surviving boxed examples continue to be prized for their visual impact and classic lithography. The box shows moderate wear with scuffing and dents along the edges, and moderate corner wear, including scuffing and crushing. The surfaces display moderate creasing, scuffing, and some mild of discoloration. The toy itself is open and shows moderate age and handling wear. There is noticeable scuffing to the lithographed surfaces and scattered rust spots throughout. The Ferris Wheel has not been tested, and no guarantee can be made regarding its operational status. For collectors of American tin litho or Chein amusement toys, this Hercules Ferris Wheel offers all the color, character, and carnival charm that define the company's best work. Even with age-related wear, the piece remains an eye-catching display example-one that captures the lively spirit of mid-century mechanical toys and the nostalgic joy of a classic fairground ride.

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