This is a vintage child's toy - it takes the form of a spring-action moving tortoise - which moves along when you squeeze the red metal handle or clip on the end of a long spring.
It was originally made in England by D.Sebel & Co. Ltd under the MOBO trademark in 1949.
This toy was the first of the small toys produced under the MOBO mark, famous for the Bronco horse and several pieces of playground equipment. It was designed to help children learn to walk and two dog styles were later produced.
The walking tortoise is made from pressed metal painted bright yellow with scarlet red markings to resemble the shell and body highlights. Attached to the underside of the shell are the head and front legs, and tail and back legs units. Both of these are supported by a bridge and bar unit running the length of the body which houses the spring mechanism which operates the toy.
From the back of the toy is a long length of tightly coiled wire which ends in a trigger grip handle, painted red. When the handle is squeezed a metal rod system pulls and contracts the springs moving the back legs in opposition to the front legs so that all four legs move as do the head and tail. The "feet" are the original rubber ones - which have no signs of any wear or use, as photographed.
There is an inscription printed in a 1950s font in red along the bridge underneath:-I'm the MOBO Toy-Toise I lead you follow ! World Patents trademarks Reg. Designs Granted and Pending".
The main body of Mr Mobo Tortoise is 30.5 cm and the width is 20.5 cm.
The price of my little 1950s toy reflects the exceptional as new condition on this one. You can find other ones offered for sale at lower ticket prices - but these often are non-functional or have condition issues. This one has never been played with.
Postage will be with Royal Mail Recorded in the UK. This will be charged at £4.95 at the checkout.