Ham & Sam “The Minstrel Team” Band Wind Up Tin Toy Strauss Black Americana

Presented is a Ham & Sam “The Minstrel Team” tin wind up made by Ferdinand Strauss Co. New York in early or mid-1920’s. Ferdinand Strauss became  the first U.S. company to produce the toy.  It features colorful graphics that surround a piano featuring a guy with a banjo in hand and another playing the keys. The wind up works with the players moving up and down. It is in good condition with just some mild but expected handling/aging wear. It measures approx. 7-1/2″ tall. It features a start/stop lever and fixed wind key. It has manufacturer markings on the back of the piano with copyright 1921.