Daiya Looping Space Tank Battery-operated Tin Toy with Original Box Top (Daiya, 1960)....

Description

Daiya Looping Space Tank Battery-operated Tin Toy with Original Box Top (Daiya, 1960). Daiya's Looping Space Tank is a compact battery-operated lithographed tin space tank measuring approximately 8 inches long, finished in light metallic blue. The design features a green-tinted ribbed plastic dome housing internal lights and a spiral color wheel, two small black tin guns at the front, and a heavy metal antenna positioned behind the turret that also functions as a self-righting aid during play. The operation consists of a tumbling or looping action accompanied by flashing lights within the dome. The model was offered for sale beginning in December 1960. The original box top is included and features distinctive artwork incorporating a gorilla motif. Condition-wise, the tank remains structurally sound overall, with no broken tabs noted. Tin surfaces show moderate scuffing, heavier along the edges, with scratching and oxidation to exposed metal, while the metal trim exhibits moderate oxidation. The green plastic dome shows moderate scuffing. The box top shows moderate scuffing to the edges, moderate scuffing and mild crushing at the corners, and moderate wear to the box face, including scuffing, creasing, and crushing. This item is untested, and no guarantee can be made regarding its working condition. A classic early-1960s Daiya space tank, combining animated tumbling action and striking color-wheel lighting, accompanied by its original box top.

Daiya was a Japanese toy manufacturer active primarily during the 1950s and 1960s. The company produced tinplate toys including vehicles, robots, and novelty items and is recognized as one of the more prominent Japanese makers of the era. Daiya is frequently associated with larger-format tin toys, a trait evident across many surviving examples.

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