Loading

mechanical toy: Elephant on Bike

1945-1950

The Strong National Museum of Play

The Strong National Museum of Play
Rochester , United States

Wind-up toys have evolved from machine-made 19th century tin or metal mechanical figures. The mechanism for these playthings have been available since clockmakers manufactured the first timepieces. The earliest wind-up toys--custom-made automata powered by clockwork or spring-wound mechanisms--delighted Europeans of the 16th century. Often very elaborate and involving multiple actions, early automata entertained the very wealthy and were deemed far too delicate and sophisticated to be appreciated by anyone other than adults. In the 19th century, the mass-production of tinplate, spring-driven toys placed walking figures and moving vehicles within the reach of middle-class children. The wind-up toy remained popular for decades, and when plastic became available as an inexpensive, easily molded material in the mid-20th century, wind-up toys of plastic became even more ubiquitous. Manufacturers have increased their wind-ups' popularity by licensing the use of popular TV, movie, and comic characters for their toys.

Show lessRead more
  • Title: mechanical toy: Elephant on Bike
  • Date Created: 1945-1950
  • Location: Germany
  • Subject Keywords: elephant, tricycle
  • Type: Mechanical Toys
  • Medium: tin
The Strong National Museum of Play

Get the app

Explore museums and play with Art Transfer, Pocket Galleries, Art Selfie, and more

Home
Discover
Play
Nearby
Favorites