Occupied Japan Celluloid Windup "Sharp Shooter" Crawling Soldier w/Box - Alps

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Celluloid figure of crawling soldier with original box made by the famous Japanese toy maker Alps Shoji in Tokyo circa 1948. Approximately 8" long. Windup motor is working and original key is included. Outstanding example of celluloid soldier dressed in green combat fatigues and helmet, carrying canteen on his belt while he fires his rifle. Windup mechanism with unusual action: soldier crawls forward turning head from side to side then pauses and emits a " There are two eccentric metal wheels that move the figure in a rolling motion that suggests the movement that a soldier would make as he crawls on alternate elbows. All celluloid construction with hand painted details. Please study the photos to get a more complete illustration of the toy's condition. The rifles on these toys were originally made in a single piece and they suffered much damage to the fragile rifle barrels in shipping (see photo). The decision was made to attach the rifle barrel to the figure with a length of flexible elastic so that the barrel could fold safely in the packing box. This example is intact however the elastic has stretched over the years. The new owner would need to tie an additional knot in the elastic to draw the barrel tight or replace the elastic altogether. I'll leave that up to the new owner to decide. The bottom of the toy is marked with read more

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