<P> A jack - in - the - box is a children's toy that outwardly consists of a box with a crank . When the crank is turned, a music box mechanism in the toy plays a melody . After the crank has been turned a sufficient amount of times (such as at the end of the melody), there is a "surprise": the lid pops open and a figure, usually a clown or jester, pops out of the box . Some jack - in - the - boxes open at random times when cranked, making the startle even more effective . Many of those that use "Pop Goes the Weasel" open at the point in the melody when the word "pop" would be sung . </P> <P> A theory as to the origin of the jack - in - the - box is that it comes from the 14th - century English prelate Sir John Schorne, who is often pictured holding a boot with a devil in it . According to folklore, he once cast the devil into a boot to protect the village of North Marston in Buckinghamshire . In French, a jack - in - the - box is called a "diable en boîte" (literally "devil in a box"). </P>

When did jack in the box toy come out