Cowboy & Horse

Tin Litho Western Whistle

1950's Japan

This tin litho whistle has distinctive classic western characteristics. It is 3 ¼ inches tall. No plastic. It is all deep embossed tin, with remarkable lithographic features that highlight the fine details. A cowboy is sitting high on his stead, 10 gallon hat and all, holding onto the reins with one hand and waving in the air with the other. The whistle chamber is ¼ inch thick and makes a loud "toot" when blown. Crimped edge all the way around.

This toy whistle is actually made from old tin beer cans turned inside out, a favorite materiel for Japan after WWII. Japan was strapped for resources to manufacture anything, and they were resourceful and creative with recycled materials. Many small toys were made from recycled beer cans thrown away by the occupying forces of the US. This whistle is an excellent example. (If you look closely into the hole, you can see the old can lithography.)

Western cowboy items were a hot commodity in the early 1950's. TV had a good line-up of westerns, and toys were usually cowboy sets and cap guns. Japan exported lots of toys to the U.S. then. This whistle says Made in Japan at the bottom in small letters.

No dings, no scrapes, no bends, insignificant surface oxidation spots on the back and typical handling patina on the lithography, otherwise, Perfect Condition! This item is typical of stuff in the large Dime Store merchandise finds we made. If you like vintage Dime Store and Variety Store stuff, bookmark us. We pack it securely and send it First Class U.S. Postal.

Notice :

This item is a genuine vintage toy from an era when there were no safety standards. It probably contains, or is, a choking hazard, and probably includes other features that are not suitable for children to play with. It is not being sold as a toy for a child to play with, but as a genuine vintage collectable item for adults.

3 are shown in the photo to show the variances. You are buying one.