The Jaymar Specialty Company, founded by Louis Marx in 1933, made wooden toys including five sets of dollhouse furniture marketed buy under the trade name "Happy Hour". The only date found is 1933 and due to the short production time the furniture is hard to find and a favorite with collectors due to its scarcity.
The mass-produced furniture was rather crudely made of solid pieces of soft wood, nailed together and enameled in cheerful colors with Art Deco style stencils indicating details and design elements. The five rooms were painted in the same colors with no known deviations: green for the bed and dining rooms, red for the living room, dark yellow for the kitchen and lavender for the bathroom. All but the bathroom pieces have black stenciled details.
This kitchen set includes a step-back Hoosier cupboard, gas range, sink, table and chair. Only one chair came with the set and there was no icebox. The complete set would have also included a carpet sweeper. The sink features 2 turned legs and was made to lean against a wall for support. All pieces but the stove have old papers reading; 'Schwab' glued to the underside. Most likely a past owner.
Made in 3/4" scale but some pieces are slightly smaller than typical for this size. The last picture compares it to Strombecker furniture and although the chair sizes are similar, the Jaymar table is quite a bit smaller. Please note that this is a stock photo and does not depict the furniture for sale in this listing.
The step-back cupboard measures 3 1/2" tall, 2 1/2" wide and 1 1/4" deep and the rectangular table is 2 3/4" by 1 5/8" by 1 1/2" tall. More dimensions will be gladly provided.
All pieces are in relatively nice condition with a stress break on the side of the stove and a scrape across the front that has rubbed off the stenciled detail. Also an exposed knot on the chair and an all-over 'vintage' appearance with smudging and dings in the soft wood. Please use the photos as further illustration. Priced to reflect the condition and no further discounts will be extended.
Shown on page 8 of "American Art Deco Dollhouse Furniture of the 1930's" by Patty Cooper and George Mundorf.
TB-050421 Marilyn
Product code: Vintage Wooden Dollhouse buy Furniture - Jaymar Happy Hour Kitchen from 1933 - 3/4" Scale