Duncan Genuine Tournament - gold seal with blue lettering
Exhibit #3608
Type
Production
Shape
Standard (-)
Axle
Fixed
Finish
Painted
Color
Red body/Gold stripe
Packaging
None
Construction
One piece wood
Response
None
Gap
Fixed
Condition
Mint
Date
1930
To
1935
Owner
Rick Brough
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Genuine [with a large "G"] Duncan Tournament Yo-Yo Tops from the 1930s. Notice the emphasis placed on Duncan and Yo-Yo by having their letters outlined in black and filled in with blue. Note also the "REG.U.S.PAT.OFF." at the bottom of the decal seal.
This early classic Duncan yo-yo was made from one piece of kiln dried maple. The body was then airbrushed with gloss red followed by a gloss gold stripe on each side. The decal was then applied to one side.
Historically, after Duncan bought out the Flores Yo-Yo Company of Santa Monica, California, Duncan began making this classic model. And, it marked the beginning of a significant yo-yo boom in the 1930s.
It is difficult to find these old yo-yos with no play marks on them and even more difficult to find them with complete, intact decals. This one is in very good shape for being more than 80 years old.
Original retail price: 25¢ US.
Of historical interest... See a video Duncan Yo-Yo factory as it was being built starting in 1946 (last accessed December 21, 2019). Of particular interest, at mark 56:35 into the film, see early Duncan yo-yo demonstrators in action and the Duncan factory production floor with dozens of women making the beloved toy.
