This delightful Poodle Dog Bell Ringer No. 45, produced around 1880 by the famed Gong Bell Manufacturing Company of East Hampton, Connecticut, is a superb example of early American tin and cast‑iron bell toys. Gong Bell was one of the most innovative toy makers of the late 19th century, celebrated for its lively, noise‑making pull toys that combined charming figures with clever mechanical action.
Measuring 8 inches long, this rare bell toy features a colorfully dressed clown and his performing poodle, both mounted on a cast‑iron frame. As the toy is rolled along the ground, the figures rock back and forth, causing the bell to ring—a whimsical kinetic display that delighted children of the era and remains captivating to collectors today.
This example survives in superb original paint, with no touch‑ups, cracks, or repairs, a remarkable condition given the fragility of early tin and cast‑iron toys. Most surviving examples show heavy wear or restoration, making this untouched surface especially desirable. Its provenance includes the Schroeder Collection, known for its exceptional early American toys.
With its vibrant paint, crisp casting, and fully functional bell‑ringing action, the Poodle Dog Bell Ringer No. 45 stands as one of the finest examples of Gong Bell’s artistry—an outstanding addition to any advanced collection of 19th‑century American toys, bell toys, or mechanical pull toys.
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