It is interesting what you find in a lot of toys. In a recent purchase I found a Thomas Toy Mule. I did not remembered who made it at the time I just listed the figure. I was surprised how fast it sold. The person who bought it thought it was Marx. This comment got me thinking and I realized it was Thomas Toy. I remembered it was similar to piece I had bought Laurie about two years ago. I checked Kent Sprecher’x web site Toy Soldier Headquarters and found I was correct. It is fun what you remember when someone asks a question.
These were the famous “smoking” mules. Many had a small hole in the muzzle and came with little cigarettes. You inserted the cigarette in the hole and lit it. Then you sat and watched the mule smoke! Some kind of fun, huh? Wonder who thought that idea up?
Lynn
Very likely a smoker was behind it. This version had a close mouth.
Google it and there are some great photos of them.
They were sold in England by KLEEWARE with the motorcycle road agent wearing a rubber Mexican sombrero.
My Auntie had one as an ornmanent and as a small child I used to play with it.
Eventually she gave it to me and I still have it.
Hi Peter
I got the same figure for Laurie two years ago. I purchased it at the York Pennsylvania Toy show. We entered the show which has two halls. We usually go to the hall to left of us. The first table on the left had the figure, which Laurie liked so I bought it for her. It is fun how you can remember where you got some items.
Sorry I meant ‘ornament’