Dancing Rastus

Discussions on Talking Machines & Accessories
AllenKoe
Victor II
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Re: Dancing Rastus

Post by AllenKoe »

Hi

And don't forget 'Shimandy'! Perhaps the rarest of these is the one showing 'Uncle Sam pursuing Pancho Villa' into Mexico. There is also another rarity called 'Uncle Sam and the Booze Bottle.' Believe it or not, they were all based on an original US Patent - there was an article on the subject of these toys many years ago in APM. When I replicated the original Order Form (w/orig prices) for subscribers, I actually received "orders" for a variety of them. The Rolfs have a fine book on the subject.

The idea of such a miniature Dancing (Black) Figure goes back many, many years, at least to 1864 (even before phonographs).

Allen

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Dischoard
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Re: Dancing Rastus

Post by Dischoard »

Got it apart, looks like a simple mechanism, the wooden "mill" inside seems to have once been coated in wax. Nothing seems bent or missing, perhaps just needs more wax to get it working? That bit of rubber is of course completely hardened, I'm sure it's just for noise, I'll see if I can find a suitable replacement.
IMG_7894.JPG

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mattrx
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Re: Dancing Rastus

Post by mattrx »

I must find the Kentucky Whiskey version. It combines two of my favorites!

Matt

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Dischoard
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Re: Dancing Rastus

Post by Dischoard »

Well this has been sitting on my L-door Vic for a little over half a year now and I haven't done anything with it so I suppose I'll offer it up for sale on the bay unless anyone here might like it. What do you suppose these go for now that you can buy perfectly good reproductions?

Flying Dutchman
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Re: Dancing Rastus

Post by Flying Dutchman »

My guess $100-$200 depending on condition and completeness of kit.

KCW
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Re: Dancing Rastus

Post by KCW »

So cool! Never heard if the before

But they look fun!

KCW
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Re: Dancing Rastus

Post by KCW »

Is it totally working now? I’d be a buyer for 100$ for sure. Let me know and thank you!

Stephen_Madara
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Re: Dancing Rastus

Post by Stephen_Madara »

Dischoard wrote: Mon Jul 03, 2023 5:48 pm Well this has been sitting on my L-door Vic for a little over half a year now and I haven't done anything with it so I suppose I'll offer it up for sale on the bay unless anyone here might like it. What do you suppose these go for now that you can buy perfectly good reproductions?
Bringing 200 and up even with a ratty box....

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