Antique c1922 Radio Rex Voice Activated Wood Tin Kennel Toy John Hugo Mfg Co

This is a Voice Activated Antique kennel toy dating back to the 1920s.

The first recorded success with speech recognition technology was in 1922. A little toy dog named "Rex" made technological history by coming to his master’s feet when he heard his name. The pup was held in his doghouse by an electromagnet against the force supplied by a spring. The magnet would release the dog’s iron base when 500cps of acoustic energy was received and Rex would ‘spring’ from his home to the feet of his loving owner. Although the toy was a simple battery-operated mechanism, voice recognition was forever changed. The dog would only respond to the name "Rex", which holds the precise acoustic currents needed to deploy the magnet. 

This item is missing the celluloid dog, but actually has the original battery. Of course this battery doesn't work, but I tought it was rather cool that it is still intact and am including it.  This item is untested, but given it's simplicity, I see no reason why it wouldn't work.
I've included a nice nostalgic photo of a 1922 christmas with a Radio Rex under the tree. To the left of the front tire on boys scooter under tree. 

Tin roof has some slight bends and dings, but paint is still bright. Blue tag which was originally above door is all but gone. Patent dates visible on side of unit.

Overall this item is in very good condition.

I am not an expert on this type of toy and have described it to the best of my ability.

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