The Big Surprise Joke Box is a vintage novelty item designed for fun and entertainment, featuring six different joke items: Ink Blot, Magic Soot, Dehydrated Worm, Colourscopic Film, Spider in the Drink, and Nail Through Finger.
Ellisdons, also known as Ellisdon and Son, was a famous magic and joke shop based in High Holborn, London. They were well-known for their comic book adverts and for stocking Woolworths with exciting tricks and jokes.
Ellisdons was established in the early 20th century and became a popular destination for magic enthusiasts and pranksters alike. They produced a wide range of novelty items, joke toys, and magic tricks that were popular throughout the mid-20th century. 
The contents of the box are largely intact, which is quite something considering its age! Pieces have been used but this just adds to its vintage charm! The lovely thing about this particular set is the little note written inside, (see pictures), offering the consumer an apology for changing the contents of the box. 
A great collectors piece.