This two-piece paper mechanical toy is one of the most sought-after Cracker Jack prizes. Although it is difficult to determine the specific date of the prize, the style of the Cracker Jack box that the boy is holding indicates that the prize is old. The style of the box is one of the earliest. It says "THIS IS OUR TRADE MARK" above "Cracker Jack" and "THE FAMOUS CONFECTION" below, with the familiar slogan "THE MORE YOU EAT THE MORE YOU WANT" on the side panel. The blue circle with "Nut" and the red circle with the "R" and "Reliable Confections" are there, too.

Based on the design and trim on the box and its similarity to boxes illustrated in Cracker Jack ads, the prize could be one from as early as the 1900's or as late as the early 1920's. If the other side of the box could be seen, the style of Sailor Jack and Bingo used (or knowing if they appeared on the other side at all) would help to more accurately approximate the date. One collector owns one of these prizes with "Remembering Marysville, Aug. 21 Chautauqua" written on the back, but unfortunately no state or year is included. If we only knew which Marysville, and which year the memorable Chautauqua was held there on August 21st!

It is not known for certain that this toy was packed inside Cracker Jack boxes. It could have been a point-of-sale novelty given out at the time of purchase. Some known examples of this prize have no telltale signs of molasses stains common with some early paper prizes from within Cracker Jack boxes.

The tab says, "MOVE SIDEWAYS AND SEE HIM EAT," and there is a copyright at the bottom for the S.L.CO. The prize is approximately 3 1/4" tall and 1 3/4" to 2" wide.

Thanks to Tom Fowler of South Prairie, Washington, for scans of the prize and the creation of the animated image.