Cecil (The Seasick Sea Serpent)-in-the-Music-Box, 1961

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Artifact Overview

Toys based on children's television, movie and cartoon characters became increasingly popular with kids during the mid-twentieth century. Bob Clampett created Cecil the Seasick Sea Serpent and a cast of other puppet characters in the late 1940s for the Time for Beany television show. Cecil and Beany were best friends. This Cecil-in-the-box depicts many of the animated characters from their 1960s cartoon adventures.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Jack-in-the-box

Date Made

1961

Creators

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

2015.80.8

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Metal
Cardboard

Color

Multicolored

Dimensions

Height: 5.75 in
Width: 6.5 in
Length: 5.5 in

Inscriptions

on sides of box: CECIL© (The Seasick Sea Serpent) in the Music Box!/ TURN THE CRANK, PLAY THE TUNE.....UP POPS CECIL!/ STURDY ALL METAL/ MATTEL INC. TOYMAKERS on top of box: MATTY'S FUNNIES T.V. SHOW PRESENTS: CECIL© (The Seasick Sea Serpent) in the Music Box!/ YOU CAN TELL IT'S MATTEL...IT SOUNDS SWELL! on inside flap of box: IMPORTANT/ CECIL© "pops up" each time the song is played. Complete the tune by turning the Music Box crank several rounds after each "pop up" -then push CECIL© back in his box and snap the lid down.