Manufactured by S.C.I. company in the USA this 1940s Sparky Doghouse is a direct decendent of our oldest exhibit Radio Rex (exibit 1450, circa 1918.  We say direct decendent because the mechanical function of using a battery to power an electro-magnet restrained spring flipper is identical.

Sparky the dog sits in his doghouse and is launched out by a spring loaded lever.  The lever is held back by an electromagnet powered by 1 D-cell battery.  When a loud sound is made (or the doghouse is lightyly tapped) a very sensitive "switch" breaks the circuit to the electromagnet and out shoots Sparky.  Sparky is suprisingly heavy and appears to be cast from a plaster material.  We dont recommend testing these toys as the dogs are old and may not survive another play date.