RARE & DESIRABLE CAST IRON TOY “THE YANKEE SCHOOLMASTER” OR “EDUCATIONAL TOY” AKA ALPHABET MAN.

This phenomenal toy is both intrinsically appealing and charismatic. This toy was made in the latter part of the 19th century and would be the focal point for an advanced toy, bank or folk art aficionado. Often called the alphabet man, its true name according to patent papers is “The Educator”. This short, stout fellow with disproportionate extremities, upon depressing the lever, lowers his pointing hand, blinks his eyes and a new letter appears at his bow tie while his hand rises back up pointing to said letter. Just as cast iron mechanical banks were designed to educate and encourage children to save, it is obvious this toy was designed as an early educational toy to teach the children the alphabet or various words with that first letter. Only a handful of these rare toys have survived over the past 100+ years. Made of cast iron and gaily enameled in vibrant colors, it contains a somewhat intricate mechanism concealed within his body. NOTE: This toy has been referred to as the “Alphabet Man” or “The Educator” however the original patent papers indicate that it’s called “The Educator” or “The Yankee Schoolmaster”. SIZE: 10″ h. PROVENANCE: Ex- Robert Stuart Collection. This toy was prominently displayed at the famed Perelman Toy Museum in Philadelphia, PA for many, many years. CONDITION: Overall paint condition is very fine plus with understandable in-use wear, minor repair to finger lever, some paint restoration to blinking eyes, and small internal repair. 53076-32 (15,000-25,000) – Lot 1483

Auction: Fine Art, Asian & Antiques - Winter 2018

Please Note: All prices include the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium, which is paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. The prices noted here after the auction are considered unofficial and do not become official until after the 46th day.

Image	Lot	Price	Description
	1483	$25,410.00	RARE & DESIRABLE CAST IRON TOY “THE YANKEE SCHOOLMASTER” OR “EDUCATIONAL TOY” AKA ALPHABET MAN. This phenomenal toy is both intrinsically appealing and charismatic. This toy was made in the latter part of the 19th century and would be the focal point for an advanced toy, bank or folk art aficionado. Often called the alphabet man, its true name according to patent papers is “The Educator”. This short, stout fellow with disproportionate extremities, upon depressing the lever, lowers his pointing hand, blinks his eyes and a new letter appears at his bow tie while his hand rises back up pointing to said letter. Just as cast iron mechanical banks were designed to educate and encourage children to save, it is obvious this toy was designed as an early educational toy to teach the children the alphabet or various words with that first letter. Only a handful of these rare toys have survived over the past 100+ years. Made of cast iron and gaily enameled in vibrant colors, it contains a somewhat intricate mechanism concealed within his body. NOTE: This toy has been referred to as the “Alphabet Man” or “The Educator” however the original patent papers indicate that it’s called “The Educator” or “The Yankee Schoolmaster”. SIZE: 10″ h. PROVENANCE: Ex- Robert Stuart Collection. This toy was prominently displayed at the famed Perelman Toy Museum in Philadelphia, PA for many, many years. CONDITION: Overall paint condition is very fine plus with understandable in-use wear, minor repair to finger lever, some paint restoration to blinking eyes, and small internal repair. 53076-32 (15,000-25,000) – Lot 1483 Auction: Fine Art, Asian & Antiques - Winter 2018 Please Note: All prices include the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium, which is paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. The prices noted here after the auction are considered unofficial and do not become official until after the 46th day.

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RARE & DESIRABLE CAST IRON TOY “THE YANKEE SCHOOLMASTER” OR “EDUCATIONAL TOY” AKA ALPHABET MAN.