{"product_id":"alps-cubby-the-reading-bear-mechanical-wind-up-toy-with-original-box-1950s-japan","title":"Alps Cubby the Reading Bear","description":"\u003cp\u003eA little bear with a love for reading and a whole lot of mid-century charm!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMeet Cubby the Reading Bear, a delightful mechanical collectible produced by Alps in Japan during the mid-20th century. This nostalgic toy features a fuzzy gray bear dressed in bright red felt overalls with yellow shoulder straps and shiny red shoes. In front of him is a miniature illustrated tin picture book featuring colorful animal illustrations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOriginally designed to bring storytime to life, Cubby's wind-up mechanism moves his head while turning the pages of his little book. His expressive face, textured fur, and cheerful appearance capture the playful ingenuity of Japanese mechanical toys from the 1950s and 1960s.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis example includes its original illustrated cardboard box, featuring colorful Cubby artwork and the Alps trademark. The surviving packaging adds to its nostalgic appeal and makes it particularly interesting for collectors.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaker:\u003c\/strong\u003e Alps, Japan\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eName:\u003c\/strong\u003e Cubby the Reading Bear\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEra:\u003c\/strong\u003e Mid-century, circa 1950s–1960s\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaterials:\u003c\/strong\u003e Faux fur, felt, lithographed metal, and cardboard packaging\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFeatures: \u003c\/strong\u003eMechanical wind-up design, miniature illustrated picture book, original cardboard box\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCONDITION:\u003c\/strong\u003e This is a pre-owned collectible showing age-related wear. The bear displays wear consistent with its age, while the original box has visible creasing, bent edges, tears, surface wear, and handwritten markings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOffered as a collectible display piece. Cubby's original mechanical mechanism does work intermittently, but operation is inconsistent. Sometimes the bear performs as intended, while other times the mechanism does not activate. Reliable or continuous operation cannot be guaranteed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSold as a collectible in as-is condition. Please review all photographs for details.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhether displayed among treasured childhood toys, incorporated into a whimsical library collection, or added to a collection of Japanese mechanical novelties, Cubby is a wonderful reminder of an era when even toys made time for a good book.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"LADYBIRDLAUGH","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48151945117750,"sku":"z=9RR9xmn","price":79.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0706\/7192\/5302\/files\/6ad2a5915afc6921f3f96a65.png?v=1792190214","url":"https:\/\/www.ladybirdlaugh.com\/products\/alps-cubby-the-reading-bear-mechanical-wind-up-toy-with-original-box-1950s-japan","provider":"LADYBIRDLAUGH","version":"1.0","type":"link"}