Theatre at your Fingertips By Ken Foust

People have been amused by Punch and Judy shows in Europe since the mid-1600s. The shows became popular in Colonial America during the 18th Century; and continue to be performed on both sides of the Atlantic. Over time the stars have largely changed from marionettes to hand puppets, but either way children love them.

Near the end of the 19th Century, Punch sometimes appeared on American toys like the “Punch and Goat” cart from the U.S. Hardware Company. The firm lasted only from 1896 until 1901, and is largely forgotten today; so the cast iron toys it made are often credited to other firms. Better known is the Punch and Judy mechanical bank created by Shepard Hardware in 1884. The Ives Toy Company also made a Punch and Judy theatre, but it’s quite different. Two things make it interesting.

First is the unusual way it works. Second is its remarkably small size. At 5″ long and 4″ high, it will fit in the palm of your hand. Every actor has worked some small theatres, but this is downright tiny. Still, it’s colorful and the action is amusing.

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