Jack in the Box; 1823
I can still remember my first encounter with a Jack in the Box. I was pretty little and nobody told me that there was a surprise. I just thought it made music (I am pretty sure it played "Pop Goes the Weasel"). So, as you can imagine it was quite a surprise when a clown (or maybe a monkey) jumped out and scared the hell out of me.
Scary as they were (they aren't as scary anymore) they have a place in the Toy Hall of Fame in Rochester, NY. The early versions, dating back to the 16th century when they were a sort of "toy tie-in" to the Punch and Judy Shows, were pretty grotesque.
They are still around today. Here are some vintage images I chose that run anywhere from creepy to funny / sexy to cute. I hope you enjoy them.
Pin-Up Girl with what appears to be Charlie McCarthy circa 1950's
Teddy Bear Jack in the Box, 19th century
Very Early Jack in a Boot circa 16th century