This piece is an original 1958 Howard Holt money bank called Bobbing Head Clown.
Howard Holt was the company begun by John and Robert Howard and A Grant Holt in 1949. Inspired by Swedish Christmas decorations the three formed a new company to produce Christmas decorations for the US market.
It wasn't until the company launched its Pixieware and Cozy cat lines in 1958 that business flourished. To keep manufacturing costs down production was moved off shore to Japan.
This delightful piece is a genuine Holt Howard Clown Money box and retains its original Howard Holt made in Japan Label. It also has the Howard Holt Copyright 1958 to the underside.
The piece is chipped to the top of the hair to one side and there is wear to the red on the collar ruffle and nose.
The piece stands a little over 145mm tall.
