Vintage 1940s–1950s Alps Shoji "Fred Astaire" Wind-Up Tap Dancing Toy | Rare Japanese Tin Litho & Celluloid Collectible

Add an extraordinary piece of mid-century Japanese toy manufacturing and Golden Age Hollywood history to your collection. Produced in Occupied/Post-WWII Japan by the renowned Alps Shoji Ltd. circa the late 1940s to 1950s, this rare wind-up mechanical toy features a novelty depiction of the legendary Hollywood dancer Fred Astaire.

When wound with the included metal key, the figure animates into a classic tap dancing or walking motion on its tin litho street-patterned base.

Key Features & Specifications

• Manufacturer: Alps Shoji Ltd. (Made in Japan)
• Era: Circa 1940s – 1950s
• Subject: Hollywood Legend Fred Astaire
• Mechanism: Mechanical Wind-Up (Key included/attached)
• Materials:
• Celluloid hand-painted head and hat
• Fabric clothing (felt jacket, patterned shirt, and checked trousers)
• Lithographed tin base (cobblestone pattern)
• Metal wind-up key mechanism
• Item Type: Vintage Wind-Up Mechanical Dancing / Walking Toy

Condition Notes

• Overall Condition: Excellent vintage condition considering its age.
• Head & Face: Detailed original paint intact on the celluloid face and hat, showing light, age-appropriate patina.
• Attire: Original fabric garments show minor vintage wear, light fading, and small spots consistent with age.
• Base & Metal Parts: Original tin litho base displays vivid color and minimal surface rust/wear.
• Functionality: Mechanical key turns smoothly; sold as a historical display collectible.

(Please review all high-resolution photos carefully as they form an integral part of this item's description.)

Price guide: $100- $200 USD

Price sale: $150 USD

(Please note that we are always open to reasonable offers. Our offline studio is open by appointment only, so feel free to reach out via email to schedule a visit or ask any questions. Thank you!)

Approximately Dimensions:

Weight: 150 gr

Length: 8 cm

Width: 7 cm

Height: 18 CM

Collector's Note

Alps Shoji Ltd. was celebrated in the post-war era for crafting intricate mechanical toys combining celluloid, fabric, and lithographed tin. Novelty toys representing specific Western pop culture figures—especially Hollywood royalty like Fred Astaire—were produced in very limited runs, making complete surviving examples exceptionally difficult to acquire today.