1950s German Tin Advertising Yo-Yo – Erdal and Waxa

Collectibles : Toys : Yo-yos : Tin Advertising

 

This colorful advertising yo-yo dates back to the middle of the 20th century – probably the fifties. The front advertises Erdal shoe polish. Erdal polish was manufactured by the Werner and Mertz Company, which still exists today. The company began in the late 1800s; the Erdal name was created in 1901 and shortly after that the red ‘frog prince’ became the company’s trademark and mascot. The other side advertises Waxa floor polish. Waxa was another brand owned by the Erdal company.

The frog has gone through many transformations over the years. The current frog has been streamlined – it looks more like a logo than a picture. We kind of like this old version – it has the look of a frog ready and willing to be kissed!

This is a small yo-yo – smaller than the other Erdal yo-yo we have for sale. Condition is very good – just a little edge-wear and one small spot where the edge has lifted a bit on the Waxa side. There is crazing on the lithography, which can be seen if the light is shining just right. Otherwise, scarcely any scratching or other blemishes – this is a very nice display yo-yo.

Measurement is 2” in diameter. The Erdal side says (in translation): “ Germany’s most bought shoe polish – Erdal cares for shoes right!” The other side says: “…and for the care of floors – Waxa – precious hard-shine wax.”

Another great advertising yo-yo and a fun piece of German trademark history.

Item ID: 0420