Duncan Genuine Tournament - gold seal with blue lettering
Exhibit #4217
Type
Production
Shape
Standard (-)
Axle
Fixed
Finish
Painted
Color
Orange/Black
Packaging
None
Construction
One piece wood
Response
None
Gap
Fixed
Condition
8
Date
1930
To
1935
Owner
Rick Brough
Compare
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 airbrushed with semi-gloss orange followed by a semi-gloss black stripe on each side. The gold seal 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 across North America.
It is difficult to find these old yo-yos with a perfectly centered stripe applied, and no play marks on them. It's even more difficult to find them with a complete, intact decal. This one is in good shape for being more than 85 years old. A beautiful example of a gold seal Duncan Tournament from the 1930s.
Original retail price: 25¢ US.
Of historical interest... Watch Duncan Yo-Yo factory (accessed December 21, 2019) as it was being built, starting in 1946. Of particular interest at mark 56:35, watch early Duncan yo-yo demonstrators in action and the Duncan factory production floor with dozens of women making the beloved toy.
