How about them parrots?
Gibson's "Kel Kroydon"
© Frank Ford, 2000; Photos by FF

The Great Depression of the 1930s devastated many a company, especially those producing nonessential goods. (Sorry, folks, but musical instruments are included there.) Gibson was no exception, and to pay some of the bills the company turned to making a line of wooden children's pull toys, under the name "Kel Kroydon." Gibson also brought out the "Kalamazoo" brand budget priced instruments.

At the intersection of these two efforts stands the "Kel Kroydon" brand. Here's a really wonderful example, complete with the original stencil painted parrot motif that looks borrowed from the toy department.

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