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Circa 1930s
Charming vintage mechanical Valentine featuring a whimsical young shoe shiner dressed in a golden jacket, oversized bow tie and jaunty hat.
The figure holds a shoe ready for polishing while additional shoes, boots and a tin of polish appear at the base. The wonderful Valentine pun is incorporated directly into the design:
“I want to shine for My Valentine.”
The card features an original mechanical construction with a separate movable component secured by metal fasteners on the reverse, adding an interactive element to this colorful novelty Valentine.
Dating approximately to the 1930s, this unusual piece is a delightful example of the humorous occupational and pun-themed mechanical Valentines popular during the early 20th century.
Lovely vintage condition with expected age-related wear. Toning, surface wear, edge wear and minor creasing are present. The reverse shows additional age-related discoloration and wear consistent with its age.
The original mechanical assembly and metal fasteners remain present. There also appears to be an added/repaired white paper area on the lower reverse. I would specifically disclose that, rather than hide it in general condition language.
Please review all photographs carefully, including the reverse, for the most complete representation of construction and condition.
