Images(6)

Slinky

Object number2015.8.4 a,b

Manufacturer James Industries, Inc.

Date1947

MediumMetal; Paper; Ink

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

DescriptionMetal slinky with box.Dimensions(a) Height 4.25, Width 3.125, Depth 3.125, Diameter 3.125;
(b) Height 2.5, Width 3.125, Depth 3.125.
InscriptionsInscription Top:
""Famous Walking Spring Toy / Slinky / U S Patent No. 2415012 / Foreign Pat Pend".
Ribbon illustration with text on top in bottom left corner "COMMENDED / BY THE / CONSUMER / SERVICE BUREAU / OF / PARENTS' / MAGAZINE / AS ADVERTISED THERIN" .
"98" handwritten in graphite on the "S" in "Slinky".

Front side:
"Moves / Without / Motors! / Slinky".

Right side:
"Nothing to / Wind Up... / Nothing to / Wear Out!"

Back side:
"Walks / Down / Stairs! / Slinky".

Left side:
"Lots of Fun! / Slinky".

Underside:
"PRINTED IN U.S.A." Sides of the box
MarksTop:
"JAMES INDUSTRIES, INC. / PAOLI, PA., U.S.A."

Underside:
"EDWIN / SCHOETZ / CO."
Historical NotesThe toy was invented and developed by naval engineer Richard T. James in 1943 and demonstrated at Gimbels department store in Philadelphia in November 1945. The toy was a hit. James and his wife Betty formed James Industries in Clifton Heights, Pennsylvania to manufacture Slinky and several related toys such as the Slinky Dog and Suzie, the Slinky Worm. In 1960, James' wife Betty became president of James Industries, and, in 1964, moved the operation to Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania. In 1998, Betty James sold the company to Poof Products, Inc. It can perform a number of tricks, including travelling down a flight of steps end-over-end as it stretches and re-forms itself with the aid of gravity and its own momentum, or appear to levitate for a period of time after it has been dropped.

Related person Richard T. James

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