Created by
American Mechanical Toy Co., American, founded 1868
Date
late 19th century
Medium
wood, metal, and cloth
Dimensions
H x W x D: 9 1/4 × 6 3/8 × 3 1/2 in. (23.5 × 16.2 × 8.9 cm)
Description
A wooden music box with two (2) articulated female figures on top made by the American Mechanical Toy Co. The box (a) is rectangular with a stepped wooden base and a flat wooden lid (b) with rounded edges. A decal with a blond girl in a blue dress is adhered to the front side of the box. Inside the box is a metal music box mechanism, with the metal key protruding from the back side of the box and a metal gear lock protruding from the proper left side of the box. Two (2) metal rods extend above the lid that are attached to the mechanism inside. An articulated wooden figure of a topless woman wearing a short cream lace skirt is attached between the legs to the top of each rod. The woman at the proper left (c) wear a lace headpiece while the woman at the proper right (d) has a red paste and white feathered headpiece. The woman on the left has a bright blue ribbon around her waist, while the woman on the right has the remnants of a pale blue ribbon at her waist. Each woman is painted black with white gloves and stockings, and black shoes. Metal pins are attached at the neck, shoulders, things, and ankles of the figures so that they have articulated movements. Stamped in black ink on the underside of the lid (b) is the text: AMERICAN MECHANICAL / TOY CO. NY.
Statement
Objects depicting racist and/or stereotypical imagery or language may be offensive and disturbing, but the NMAAHC aims to include them in the Collection to present and preserve the historical context in which they were created and used. Objects of this type provide an important historical record from which to study and evaluate racism.
Place made
New York City, New York, United States, North and Central America
Collection title
Liljenquist Family Collection
Classification
Toys and Games
Racist and Stereotypical Objects
Type
music boxes
Topic
Amusements
Caricature and cartoons
Music
Stereotypes
U.S. History, 1865-1921
Credit Line
Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift from the Liljenquist Family Collection
Object number
2016.166.38a-d
Restrictions & Rights
No Known Copyright Restrictions
Proper usage is the responsibility of the user.
GUID
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd5101a7e95-38f5-4c60-b31e-3ad0f545814d

Cataloging is an ongoing process and we may update this record as we conduct additional research and review. If you have more information about this object, please contact us at NMAAHCDigiTeam@si.edu

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