9x11x7.5” tall tin litho battery-operated toy marked “A Tot-Tested Toy.” c. 1930s. Although unsigned, toy features great Vernon Grant illustrations on both the removable back panel and around the sides of the toy. Features his trademark elf characters dancing and playing instruments plus pair of rabbits ringing bells and pair of dancing musical notes. A removable back panel is designed to hold a songbook which also featured Vernon Grant art although book is not included. Interior of toy is designed with standard xylophone while the top is a metal lever with plastic ball handle. Also attached to this lever is a stick and when the lever is moved it in turn moves the stick over the xylophone keys, producing musical notes. Battery-operated feature is designed to sustain individual notes and this is activated by pressing down on the outside lever attachment. While xylophone can be played manually, the battery-operated function is not working. Batteries were designed to fit into a cardboard tube which was then placed in the battery box. Tube is present but as it is thin cardboard, it is worn from use. Top of toy has small scattered scratches from use but overall toy is very bright, glossy with great color and design. VF. Scarce. From the Richard Merkin Collection and comes with Hake’s COA.