Raphael Tuck Paper Toy - Punch and Judy theater puppet show stages and all 5 puppets – Extra Fine
Die-cut, Embossed, Chromolithograph 4-sided upright theater with all 5 original puppets
This piece when folded is flat ( 6 inches wide x 4 1/4 inches high). The theater transforms into a three-dimensional standing box via tabs that fit into corresponding slots and includes a lift-up puppet show curtain.
The separate puppets have long handles so you can make a puppet show with the various characters by inserting them through a slot near the bottom of the theater when the “stage curtain” is opened. The characters move by sliding them back and forth or up and down using tab extensions.
Folded out it is 6 inches high, 2.5 inches wide, and 1.75 inches deep. (15cm X 6cm X 4cm)
Extremely rare even without the puppets – this is the only one that we have ever seen that has 5 of its original puppets. Punch and Judy was #1 in Tuck’s stage theater series.
Condition – Extra Fine. The stage and puppets are all in excellent undamaged condition. The only tiny flaw we see is that one of the tabs was at some point reinforced with a small piece of tape – see photo.
Date – According to Whitton and from the inscription on the stage, these paper toys were created sometime between 1893 and 1901.
Logo on the theater states:
Easel logo with TRADE MARK ARTISTIC SERIES then “No. 1 “ “PUBLISHERS TO HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN /RAPHAEL TUCK & SONS, LONDON, PARIS & NEW YORK / DESIGNED AT THE STUDIOS IN ENGLAND AND PRINTED AT THE FINE ART WORKS IN GERMANY”
Collectors Corner:
This puppet show series is pictured on pages 30 and 31 of the Tuck reference book: Collector's Guide to Raphael Tuck & Sons: Paper Dolls, Paper Toys & Children's Books by Blair Whitton - Published by Hobby House Press Inc, 1991
Whitton cited 4 puppets for the Punch and Judy show but this one, which just came to market, shows us that were originally at least 5 puppets, not 4.
Collector's Corner:
Collect them all - There were 6 in this stage series :
1. PUNCH & JUDY AS PLAYED BEFORE THE QUEEN OF ENGLAND
Features a puppet show stage with 4 articulated puppets.
2. THE HAPPY FAMILY
Depicts a scene of a boy and girl beside a circus train car filled with various whimsical animals such as a cat, bird, rabbit, monkey, rooster, pig, and lemur.
3. THE LOVELY ELLA (WILL APPEAR), DARING DEEDS IN THE LIONS' DEN
Illustrates a girl inside a circus train car, featuring a lion and a bear.
4. ROMEO & JULIET
Depicts two characters on stage.
5. WALK UP! WALK UP!
Showcases a circus-themed stage with strongmen, jugglers, wrestlers, and acrobats.
6. THE MARVELLOUS MENAGERIE
Features a circus train car cage with animals such as the "Roaring Lion," the "Man-Eater" tiger, the "Cuddling Bear," and the "Laughing Hyena.