Our OLDEST Battery-Operated toy in our museum is this circa 1918 survivor, Radio Rex Doghouse. This handbuilt battery operated toy is meticulously hand build and is made of 1/8"thick wood and a few small pieces of metal that look very minimilistic and purpose built for their function.  So why does Radio Rex need a battery?  Because this was one of the worlds first "Voice Activated Toys" and this kind of magic takes energy.

Back before internet the instructions that came with your toy was all you had, Teletoy certainly set the bar high as the following is what is printed on the bottom of this trailblazing toy expermenting with these new "batteries" that were becoming affordable to the general public.

(Bottom of Doghouse says:)

     One of the famous Teletoys manufactured and sold only by The JOHN HUGO MANUFACTURING COMPANY.   60-62 Franklin St., New Haven, Conn., under H. C. berger's patents of March 11, 1913, November 10, 1914, December19, 1916, and September 24, 1918, which rights will be fully protected.

Directions for Operating

     Place Kennel on smooth level table, at least two feet from edge, to prevent Rex from taking a tumble.  

     Place Rex in Kennel and push gently back against flapper until he holds his position, this should be done without moving Kennel as the jar will release Re\x before you are ready.  After Rex is in position either call sharply, REX, clap the hands, or blow a whistle of the proper pitch and Rex will respond by dashing forth, thus causing endless amusement to young and old.

IMPORTANT

     Do not leave dog pressed back in Kennel when not in use as it runs down the battery, the current is turned on only when Rex presses the flapper against the electro-magnet.  It is important that the dog should not be left in this condition when not in use as it wastes the current.

PLEASE NOTE

     All the electric parts of this toy except the battery, last indefinitely and the battery has ample power to operate the toy many thuosand times, proved by actual tests.  The battery is of standard size and can be replaced by any dealer in flashlights, or will be sent by us Parcel Post Prepaid upon receipt of ten 2c stamps.

     To replace the battery, open back of Kennel by turning catch to right and pulling same back, simply remove old battery and place new one in pocket, being careful that top and bottom of form connections with brass holders.  Batteries sometime come a little short, if so simply bend end holders so that battery will bear on both ends.

     When replacing battery, be sure that contact points at bottom and top of battery are clean.  Scraping with a knife blade will assure this.

     Should Rex not behave properly, 1st clean contact points on outside of Kennel by rubbing amulet against stationary wires, next open back of Kennel and rub finger across front of magnet.  Now Rex should resume his good behavior.

THE JOHN HUGO MFG. CO.             NEW HAVEN, CONN.

TELETOY          TELETOY          TELETOY          TELETOY          

(Bottom of Doghouse END:)

Really amazing instructions.  Unfortunately today Rex no longer springs from his Kennel as all the metal parts have long ago been covered in current killing surface rust and brass patina.   Since  Rex is very delicate being made of an early cellulose material that over the last 100+ years he is likely very brittle and may not survive the test.  Therefore, we keep Rex safely cushioned away  from danger these days.