Wonderful 1937 Mechanical Folk Art Toy with Two Figures hand-written labels Simple brown rag paper cover

Simple brown rag paper cover with an "A" for Abbott

One wonders the drawing was inspired by a story inside

I wonder who the Nelly was who he or she was thinking about

This carving though--carved from the vertebrae of what type of animal I  am not sure--does not seem an easy fit for either category

and special care taken with the ear

Wonderful 1937 Mechanical Folk Art Toy with Two Figures hand-written labels Simple brown rag paper coverThis was the first thing I found at Brimfield this past week, and it's among my very favorite finds. Turning the crank forces one loop of wire to press down on the carved handle attached to one figure, raising him into the air, and then releases him with a very satisfying clap as it raises the other. I find it all immensely satisfying and have not tired of playing with it yet (and have spent a fair amount time turning that crank!) And the primitively