Rare Tin Lithograph Tom Tom Indian Friction Drive Canoe Boat

This very good condition 9-1/2" long tin lito features two colorful tribal Indians in head dress traveling in a highly decorated and ornate canoe that has been painted to appear as made of wood.

The front Indian is paddling and the rear Indian beats his drum as the friction drive on the rear wheels moves the front wheels and linkage to allow the beating of the drums and the simulated paddling motion of the front Indian holding the rarely surviving original rubber oar.

This rare toy was made in Japan, and we believe the manufacturing date was around 1950. There is some oxidation on the top painted edges (seams) of the canoe, but the detail of the two Indian's is worth the price of admission to own this classic and highly collectable tin.