Japanese. 1960s. Tinplate. This wind-up robot is made by the Japanese toy manufacturer Yoshiya (also known as Kobe Yoko Ltd.), which used the mark "K.O." on its products. Yoshiya was a prominent toymaker that specialized in mechanical and wind-up tin toys. They had a broad line of toys and, most notably, a line of space-themed robots, with several variations inspired by the robot from Forbidden Planet, "Robby the Robot". The toy offered here is a "four-gear" version, one of two variations, with the second being a six-gear version. The Yoshiya company ceased toy manufacturing in the 1970s, a time when there was a rise in labour costs in Japan and the start of a global shift toward cheaper plastic toys. Marked, "K.O. Made in Japan", on box and on lower edge of back plate. From the Yvan Lalonde Collection.

Size
Box: 11" x 4" x 4".

Condition
Robot is in excellent condition. Minor paint nicks and edgewear. Original box is in good condition with minor impressions to lid. Winding mechanism is wound tight. Tested and requires cleaning to function. Requires key.

Medium
Tinplate.

Signature
Marked, "K.O. Made in Japan", on box and on lower edge of back plate.

Provenance
From the Yvan Lalonde Collection.