Historical information

This pyjama case was produced in the 1930s by Joy-Toys, an Australian toy company founded in South Yarra in the early 1920s. It was gifted to Elaine Morris (then Nobelius - the granddaughter of Carl Axel Nobelius) at an early - perhaps 3rd - birthday. Elaine was born in 1934, so it would have been gifted around 1937. Several other Joy-Toys monkeys were made with hands and feet, which might either have fallen off or been removed over the past century or which may not have been included on this model. Some other models of Joy-Toys monkeys were based on the characters of British illustrator Lawson Wood, who used a wide cast of monkeys and other animals in his work. The zipper was made in Australia by Lightning, indicating that the monkey's components were also likely made locally.

Significance

This pyjama case belonged to a member of the Nobelius family, and reflects a style of toymaking that today is far out of fashion from a distinctive company that is no longer in business.

Physical description

The monkey has a hollow body, with the interior lined with orange satin fabric and closed by a zipper. The shape of the monkey is filled out by the case's intended purpose - storing pyjamas. The head is stuffed, and features a face made of felt molded over buckram, with painted features in red (mouth and nostrils) and black (closed eyelids and eyelashes). Outside of the face, the monkey is covered in synthetic brown 'fur'. It is possible that the monkey once had hands and feet which have since been removed or lost. The monkey's limbs and tails are also stuffed and separated from the hollow body. The head and arms of the monkey are on joints allowing them to rotate 360 degrees. The monkey also has small furless fabric ears. There is damage separating fabric at the right shoulder and at several points in the interior.

Inscriptions & markings

Zipper Obverse: "LIGHTNING"
Zipper Reverse: "AUST MADE / PATENTED"
Inside Tag: "JOY-TOYS / MADE IN AUSTRALIA"