Bidspirit auction | Punch and Judy Bell Ringer

Punch and Judy Bell Ringer - Made by the J. & E. Stevens Company. Cromwell, Connecticut - Early 1890's. From the Perelman Toy Museum. As the only known example, this Punch and Judy bell ringer is the rarest commercially produced bell toy that we know of. The toy's design is clearly characteristic of Charles Bailey's early projects for the J. & E. Stevens Company, in which he often combined lead and cast iron elements with great success. The facial detailing for the ”Judy” figure is strongly reminiscent of Jonah's face from Stevens' pedestal version of the bank. It also bears an uncanny resemblance to the dentist's face from their Dentist Bank. The ”Punch” figure is nearly identical to the treatment Stevens used in their design for the Clown Bell Ringers toy. Once again, this offering provides collectors with a chance to acquire the rarest bell toy in the world. Condition: Pristine Condition.