Zoltán "Zoli" Hirsch Autobiography with Roli Zoli Tin Toy, Holocaust. Zoltán Hirsch (1885–1944), known professionally as "Zoli," Hungarian Jewish circus performer, clown, and acrobat. In this lot is a first edition of Zoli: Kis Ember Nagy Élete (Önéletrajz) ("Zoli: A Small Man's Great Life-An Autobiography"), published in Budapest in 1942 with Hungarian text. The book features original patterned boards with gilt title and is inscribed by the author on the title page. Hirsch achieved national recognition in Hungary as a dwarf circus performer before being forced out of public life under anti-Jewish laws during World War II. His autobiography was written and sold personally on the streets of Budapest after he was barred from performing. He was later arrested for illegal book peddling and for wearing a yellow star deemed "non-compliant" due to its size, despite his assertion that it was proportionate to his body. Following imprisonment, Hirsch was deported and perished at Auschwitz in 1944.
Also included is a later production Roli Zoli mechanical tin toy depicting a polka-dot clown riding a red scooter, with original illustrated box (Hungary, mid–late 20th century), marked "ROLI ZOLI" and closely matching period imagery associated with Hirsch's stage persona.
The book shows heavy wear, rubbed boards, age-related toning, and scattered staining; inscription present on the title page. The toy exhibits surface wear from age; the original box with tears, splits, and edge wear.
Estimated Value $400 - 600
Judaica
