BILLY THE SPACE TRAVELER - MASUDAYA - JAPAN

Tin friction rocket with a tin astronaut rider clinging to the back. The rocket has two fins, Billy occupies the place where a third fin would normally be. Marked BILLY on the sides. There is a small rear wheel. Pull back action with noise. Marked PAT 7987

Two litho variations are known:
1 Metallic silver and red version with a blue Billy. Litho porthole detailing.
2 White and blue rocket with red fins and an orange Billy.
The box indicates a third combination which so far has not been seen.

Known for ages as "Billy on a Rocket" until a boxed version turned up. Date?

A version of this rocket was also produced in Argentina as Cohete Lunar. See also Billy on a Saucer.