Significant paint loss and crazing. This is an authentic and rare antique wooden dinosaur toy, from the Twistum Toy Factory, dating back to the 1920s. This toy is a great collectible for enthusiasts of vintage toys or early folk art. The toy is a string-jointed figure with a wooden body and beaded sections for the neck and tail, allowing for a range of poses.
It measures approximately 15.5 inches long from head to tail. The unique design and construction are characteristic of the Twistum brand, which was known for its "acrobatic" toy animals.
The dinosaur shows significant signs of its age, including extensive paint loss, a crackled finish (crazing), and some exposed wood, all of which add to its vintage character. The movable joints are fully functional. This is a true survivor, representing an early period in dinosaur-themed toys.
The Twistum Toy Factory operated in Oakland, California, from around 1922 to 1932. They created high-quality, durable toys that were known for their unique jointed construction using wood and wood composition bead-like sections.
Their toys were patented in 1920, and they were often seen as a competitor to the popular Schoenhut circus animals of the era. The brand is now considered rare and highly collectible due to its short production period. Twistum Toy Factory Brand: A recognized and collectible brand from the early 20th century.
Circa 1920s: A genuine piece of early American toy history. Unique Articulation: Features wooden beads and a string system for movement, a hallmark of the Twistum design. 15.5 Length: A sizable and eye-catching collectible. Authentic Patina: The extensive paint wear and crazing are evidence of its age and part of its appeal.