Rabbit squeak toy

1820-1850

Papier-mâché, leather, wood, paint, fiber (flocking)

Overall: 3 1/8 x 2 1/2 x 1 5/8 in. ( 7.9 x 6.4 x 4.1 cm )

Purchased from Elie Nadelman, 1937

INV.4464

This object was once part of the folk art collection of Elie Nadelman (1882-1946), the avant-garde sculptor. From 1924 to 1934, Nadelman's collection was displayed in his Museum of Folk Arts, located in the Riverdale section of the Bronx. The Historical Society purchased Nadelman's entire collection in 1937. These squeak toys, or “squeakies,” were made in Germany, which supported a cottage industry that produced cheap toys for worldwide export. Toys of this type were imported into the United States in great quantities prior to the Civil War. Made of painted papier-mâché, wood, and frequently leather bellows, they delighted children on both sides of the Atlantic. They must also have appealed to Elie Nadelman, whose sculptures in papier-mâché may have been partly inspired by these objects.

DescriptionGray and white papier-mâché rabbit with white leather ears mounted atop a rectangular bellows with wooden top painted green, wooden bottom, and white leather sides; when bellows is pressed a squeaking sound is produced.

Markings“1.50”

ClassificationsTOYS

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