Twelve Inch Pre-War Japanese Tin Flute Whistle - Cowboy and Western Images

The colors and style of this tin toy flute indicate a pre-war or early post war vintage. I lean towards Pre-War. 

This Japanese tin flute whistle is twelve inches ( 30.4 cm) long which is unusually large. The whistle is covered with Western cowboy images interspersed with cowboy accoutrements and musical notes on a staff. One complete standing cowboy playing a banjo is at the top of the whistle. The music staff with notes winds down the flute in the background. a cowboy boot, hatchet, saddle, horseshoe, six gun and drum complete the decorations.

Wear has occurred on the seven raised ribs that are spaced along the length of the flute. Otherwise the condition is very good to excellent with only minor wear. The colors are strong and with the 12 inch length you can actually play a tune on this flute.

This whistle is obviously Japanese and yet it is not marked Made in Japan, often the case with toys that were not meant for export.