Rare 1920s Vintage Micky Mouse (Predecessor to Mickey) Mechanical Valentine!

What a find! Meet Micky.

Before there was Mickey Mouse, there was Micky Mouse. The original Micky was a product of the Performo-Toy Company, popular in stores in New York City in the later 1920s, applying for a patent in 1926.

Our very vintage valentine features a mechanical Micky offering a message of love:

I've caught you
at last.

my
Valentine.

Our fella measures about 5-1/2 inches when his tail is positioned down and about 6 inches wide with his arms outstretched. The original round-head fasteners (now called brads) are still intact and you can MOVE his HEAD, ARMS, LEGS and TAIL!

Disney sued Performo in 1930/1931, claiming that Performo was copying their Mickey. The original smaller company was ordered by the courts to cease and desist production, sale and advertisement of their original Micky immediately - and to destroy all remaining merchandise.

These pieces are extremely rare. Some Micky items have sold upwards of $300. Ours is from a private collection and in very good shape for its age. We have only seen others in photos.

Some of the card (if not all) has been hand painted by the creators.There is very slight foxing and regular minor wear, hardly noticeable in such an old boy!

On the back, written in pencil:

Phyllis Mac
From
Sonny

This item will be insured, with signature required.