1930’s Circus Henry on White Elephant Celluloid Wind-Up Toy

This rare Japanese toy is sought after by collectors due to its larger size and complexity that is not common in most celluloids. Henry catches a ride on the trunk of the white elephant that is being guided by a turbaned mahout (elephant worker) sitting on top of the elephant blanket.

When wound, the elephant moves his head with the attached trunk back and forth (the floppy elephant ears are hinged) and Henry tries to ride the trunk as the elephant's head movement makes things difficult for both the rider and Henry to stay on the pachyderm. 

The wind-up mechanisms worked well when tested. The toy and two jointed celluloid characters (the mahout and Henry) are in very good condition and Henry’s trademark can is present in his hand. The toy measures about 8” in length and is 6” tall. The toy represents the stereotype of what was expected to be seen in a village in India during the 1930’s.