🦁 A whimsical early-1910s “Book Toy” illustrated by Louis Wain, this rare edition of The Tale of Leo Lion features a die-cut lion with a movable head and eyes that shift when the red tab is pulled — an ingenious paper mechanism patented by Valentine & Sons of Dundee. Printed in Britain, its expressive character and rich colour lithography make it a captivating display piece for vintage book or toy collectors alike.
Book is in very good vintage/used condition for its age but does have light wear throughout. Please see all of the photos. 🦁
⌛ History Behind The Piece⌛ Published by the Scottish firm Valentine & Sons Ltd. (Dundee & London), founded in 1825, this “Book Toys / Dolly Series” title showcases their transition from photography and postcards into novelty children’s books around the 1910s. The illustrator Louis Wain, known primarily for anthropomorphic cat art, also contributed to playful children’s volumes in this era.
