Antique 1905 Hill Watrous Cast Iron Monkeymobile Coconut Bell Pull Toy Cast Iron
looks like someone started to restore it.
Up for sale is an authentic antique cast iron mechanical bell pull toy, commonly known as the "Monkeymobile" or "Monkey Cracking Coconut", produced around 1905 by the N.N. Hill Brass Co. / Watrous Mfg. Co. of East Hampton, Connecticut.
This toy is being sold as-is, disassembled, for parts or restoration. When fully assembled and pulled along, the mechanism causes the seated monkey's jointed arm to move up and down, striking the front bell with a coconut.
What’s Included (See Photos for All Parts):
Main Cast Iron Body: Seated monkey figure on a log frame with 3 spoked cast iron wheels currently attached.
4th Spoked Wheel: Detached, shown laying flat next to the toy.
Coconut Bell: Detached cast iron/metal dome bell with center mounting hole.
Jointed Monkey Arm: Detached cast iron arm holding the coconut.
Internal Mechanism & Hardware: Original brass linkage pieces, internal wire, screws, and fasteners (see close-up of parts laid out on the table).
Condition Notes:
Disassembled State: The toy has been taken apart and will require reassembly and mechanical tuning to function properly.
Surface & Patina: Exhibits heavy, honest age-related oxidation, surface rust, and significant loss of original paint across the cast iron body, wheels, and bell.
Completeness: Please inspect all photos carefully to verify every small screw, pin, and linkage component included against your restoration needs. No original box is included.
Approximate Dimensions (Assembled):
Length: ~6" to 6.5"
Height: ~5"
Width: ~3"
A great opportunity for an antique cast iron toy collector or restorer looking for an original, early 20th-century project piece or rare donor parts. 111026