Barney Google debuted in 1919 as a comic strip and gained an instant following as a lovable character involved with poker, horse racing, and prize fights. His horse, Spark Plug, was introduced in 1922. Readers loved the bow-legged nag who seldom raced and was always covered in a wool blanket with his name on the side. This wooden toy is taken from the comic strip and produced by King Features Syndicate, Inc., as marked on his belly. Spark Plug is in excellent shape with beautiful markings, upward-pointed ears, a nice tail, and his rare blanket. The bottom snap is missing on the blanket but not noticeable. It is a neat century-old toy that looks cool on a shelf! 20957-TWT