While Felix the Cat was immensely popular upon his debut in 1919, his popularity declined with the advance of sound cartoons. This was just what was needed to help launch the careers of two anthropomorphic mice: Mickey and Minnie Mouse. While the three never appeared in any cartoon together, Minnie and Felix were paired in the unusual venture of tin litho toys.

Hake’s Americana, a division of Geppi’s Entertainment Auctions, has come to be known for the selection of Disneyana and Disney-related toys in each of their auctions. In their prior June 2008 auction, they offered an extremely rare Spanish toy featuring Minnie Mouse carrying cages in her hands, each cage containing a small Felix. This toy was one of four examples known and realized nearly $12,000.

In Hake’s current auction, they are offering another tin litho wind-up toy that features Minnie and Felix. Again produced by Rogelio Sanchis of Isla Toys, this Spanish toy was produced circa 1929-1930 and is among the earliest Disney wind-up toys. It features Minnie smiling a toothy grin while wearing a polka dot dress and apron. Felix sits at the front of the cart wearing dapper attire consisting of a polka dot shirt and striped pants. He holds a parasol in his hands.

The toy is complete and all original except for a professionally replaced gear that attaches to the parasol shaft. This in no way affects the toy’s appearance and the toy works perfectly as it should, traveling forward as the parasol rotates. This toy is extremely rare, being one of only two known examples, the other example currently on display at Geppi’s Entertainment Museum (GEM) in Baltimore, Maryland. This very example has previously sold at an auction in 2000 for $35,200.

Hake’s auction is currently online and closes September 2-4, 2008. Don’t miss out on your chance to own this wonderful toy! To view the many other listings, click here.