Glass Happifat Boy on Drum Candy Container, Borgfeldt, c. 1915

Collectibles : Vintage : Candy Container

 

This clear pressed glass candy container is known by two names, "Fat Boy on Drum" and "Happifat Boy on Drum". He is in good condition with no chips, cracks or repairs, but most of the paint has been worn off. Enough remains to see he once had a painted top on the drum, pants, jacket, hands, ascot and collar. He also once had paint on his face, eyes and hair but none of that remains on this piece. The candy container measures approx. 4 1/2" in height by 2 1/16" diameter on the base. The short jacket has two buttons above the slit on the back; pants are ribbed; fine front to back lines for hair that splits at the back. The red tin slotted twist-on cap has two small notches and is stamped in a circle with "GEO BORGFELDT & CO. N.Y. SOLE LICENSEE / HAPPY FAT - U.S. DES PAT". The roly-poly "Happifats" was created by Kate Jordan. He first appeared in story form in the John Martin Book for Children, copyrighted in 1914. Happifat was advertised as a doll in the A.C. McClurg general 1915-1916 catalog. An example of this piece is pictured on pg. 82 of Collector's Guide to Candy Containers by Douglas Dezso and Rose & J. Leon Poirier.

Item ID: 41129004