The Infamous Vintage “Monkey Playing Cymbals” Toy

It doesn’t take a seasoned antique toy collector to recognize the value of a Vintage “Monkey Playing Cymbals” Toy.  This popular toy has long been a classic – if not THE classic- children’s plaything.  And for a collector, this item is quite a treasure that continues to increase in value as the years go on.  If you have been thinking of starting your very own antique toy collection, there is no better toy to start with than the Monkey Playing Cymbals toy.  Its time to stop “monkey-ing” around and start your collection!

A Brief History of the Vintage Monkey Playing Cymbals Toy
(Courtesy of http://antiques.lovetoknow.com)

Introduced in the 1950s by the Japanese toy company, Daishin C-K, the Musical Jolly chimp became a huge success. During the following decades several toy manufacturers produced variations of the fun loving little chimp. Although the monkeys made by each company wore distinct clothing and had different facial features, each one clanged their cymbals to the delight of their young owners.
The Musical Jolly Chimps, and most of the furry little monkeys that followed under different names, are more than percussion playing musicians. Just tap one on the head while it is banging its cymbals and watch as the mechanical monkey’s eyes bulge out as he bares his teeth while screeching like a very angry monkey. In a few seconds, the chimp settles down and happily returns to his cymbal playing. There are actually many people that believe this happy looking vintage toy may be the creepiest toy ever made once they see the screeching monkey’s face. To see the angry face of the same monkey that is pictured on this page visit Scary monkey toy on Amy’s Gripping Commentary.

Types of Cymbal Playing Monkeys
(Courtesy of http://antiques.lovetoknow.com)

Charley Chimp

Although the outfit Charley the Chimp is wearing is different from the original clothes of the Musical Jolly Chimp, the toy is a close replica. Charlie also has the same movements and sounds as the Daishin Company toy. This vintage replica is available at Amazon.

Magic Monkey

A newer version of the classic primate, Magic Monkey plays his cymbals while he scoots along the floor. Complete with chimp noises, this plastic faced monkey is available at Twisted Grins.

Pepi the Tumbling Monkey with Cymbals

Made by Yano Man Toys in the 1960s, Pepi the Tumbling Monkey plays his cymbals while doing his acrobatic feats. Take a look at this vintage toy on Wally Toys. Scroll to the bottom, Pepi is the next to last on the page. Also pictured on the same page is another style of cymbal playing monkey. Located directly above Pepi is a chimp that rolls along to his music.

Clockwork Musical Monkey with Clashing Cymbals

Often sold as part of a set of three musical monkeys, these cute little wind-ups play their instruments as they sway from side to side. Made by the Clockwork Company the toys are made of tin and fake fur with plastic faces. To see an entire set of these vintage classics visit The Bear Room and scroll down to the fifth toy.

Tomy Wind Ups - Monkey With Cymbals

A modern take off on the collectible vintage toy, California Creation’s Monkey with Cymbals is part of their wind-up toy line of the Not So Grand Band. The original Tomy wind up monkey would march along playing his cymbals accompanied by the five other animal band members with their instruments. The new California Creation’s translucent plastic wind-up toy monkey joyously does flips and flops front wards and backwards as he bangs his cymbals together. To view this toy visit the Toy Directory. The replica of the vintage wind-up musical monkey is located third from the bottom of the page.

Where to Buy Vintage Monkey Playing Cymbals Toys

*eBay.com

*Todler-gift.blogspot.com: http://toddler-gift.blogspot.com/2009/06/monkey-playing-cymbals-vintage-toy.html

*Tias: http://tias.com

*How Bazaar: http://howbazaarantiques.com.au/2008/03/31/musical-jolly-chimp-battery-operated-toy-395/

Another great source of Vintage Monkey Playing Cymbals Toy Links is:

*Zealot: http://www.zealot.com/forum/showthread.php?t=90526

Vintage Monkey Playing Cymbals Price Guide