Early 1960s Cragstan Mikuni Mystery Action Lady Bug in Original Box

Collectibles : Toys

 

A wonderful Cragstan Lady Bug (the largest ladybug I've ever seen!) but then this one is a toy, unable to take flight, and having the strangest leg movement to boot. The front and one of the rear side wheels is free-spinning, while the remaining (third) wheel has friction tension.

As best I can tell, turn or wind up the outer red-tipped legs then place her on the ground, and she moves forward, red legs circling her winged body. Turn the legs counter-clockwise and she'll even move backwards! Lady bug doesn't run too far, maybe a foot or so, but then with all those legs running every which way, well... Not being a toy aficionado, it may be that the mystery action is truly a mystery to me.

This lady bug has seen little if no serious play time -- I find only a few tiny rubs, which I speculate are from coming in and out of the box, and the metal (tin?) underplate has a crease toward the back, off to one side, that does not affect movement.

Measures 5-5/8" long and 4-5/8" wide (body only, not counting the legs or spring antenna). Marked "Cragstan" on the underside with "Mikuni - Made In Japan" at the rear tip of the right wing. The box has a Cragstan stock number of 1557-6, with the letters "NGS" in a diamond, with the "G" being a larger size. Pat. No. 402274.

The box itself is in overall good condition, with a small hole at one corner of the bottom; a crease at one side/corner; and a couple of peeling tears at and around the patent number.

Item ID: 01417