I'm developing an interest in tin toys; not so much the licensed or character stuff, but more the vehicles and animals. A couple years ago, I picked up a bunch of insect tin toys, maybe 10-12 in the lot. I'm finally getting around to photographing them, so I thought I would show them here. Maybe other folks are interested. From what I know, most of these were made in the post-WWII period. So they're about 60 years old by now. What I find really cool is that you can clearly see the early design influences that would later evolve into stuff like Time Bokan and its successors. Otherwise, don't know much about them. Here's the first couple from the box: No idea who made this as there is no logo on the box or stamp on the toy. You can wind it up with a small key on the underside and the wings flap. Made by a company called Ohta Kasaburo. Not sure how this one works as there is no wind-up mechanism. Might be gravity based. I'd love to see other tin collections... please post if you have them! If anyone knows of a good resource for this stuff (books or websites), please let me know.
I only have one tin toy book (actually tin Robots) published by Taschen, hope you'll find this one helpful: http://www.taschen.com/pages/en/catalog ... n_toys.htm
I know not non-character--and not even vintage--but that first wing-flapping bug reminds me of the rolling, wing-flapping Mothra that Billiken did not so long ago. Lovely pick-ups, Daniel! Definitely a simpler, but still very creative, time... Wayne, that Danguard is gorgeous!
These were both marked "Made in Occupied Japan" and designated a patent number. I haven't been able to identify the companies. Not sure what patent system the numbering conforms to either. Walking Beetle. The manufacturer appears to be "T.R.I". I love the rough, unfinished design of this toy; completely different from the smooth lines and complex lithography of later tins. May Beetle. The manufacturer is identified by a mark consisting of the letters "SM" in a circle. You might notice that this is the same design as the Flapping Beetle in the first post.
The first beetle up top is the best. There are some amazing wind-up tanks and vehicles from that era (just before the end of the war) and things like really colorful Japanese model cars. The fact they have "Occupied Japan" is solid gold in itself since that was only a limited number of production years. I like the rocket ships they did.
I've always wanted this fish wind-up toy. His eyes move around, and he wiggles his tail, as he goes zizzing around the floor. I first saw him as a kid, in one of the episodes of Gumby. Finally got my paws on one, in really nice shape, no missing fins, and he still zizzes! One of those toys that just makes you smile all over on the inside and out!
@Mr. Humphreys as far as I was aware your fish is the Terrorfish from Stingray. First made in 1966 I believe. What's gumby?
@djkemp Can you please give me more info on my fish? I didn't realize he was part of a series. Any info would be very much appreciated!!! Good to know it's 1966. I can't remember which Gumby episode the fish was seen in, but they did have a TV series in 1966. Gumby is a character in a stop-action clay animation TV show that began in the 1950's, and lasted for many years https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gumby Lakeside Toys originally manufactured the Gumby and Pokey bendy toys, and Lakeside made the fish tin windy. A little toy legal drama... https://law.justia.com/cases/federal/appellate-courts/F2/494/1340/112670/ and yes, the original Gumby bendies are "collector items": http://friendlyghost.typepad.com/lost_found_vintage_toys/2012/07/gumby.html
@Mr. Humphreys Your fish is based on Titan's Terrorfish from Gerry Anderson's tv series Stingray, Gerry also made Thunderbirds, Space 1999, Fireball XL5, Captain Scarlet etc. Your fishes original box names it the 'All steel aquaphibian terror fish", it then has a small tv shaped logo with the words "from the famous Stingray tv show". It is a super piece, i would also love to own one. Watched Gumby, reminded me of a similar stop motion tv programme i used to watch called Morph!
Thank you @djkemp for the details! I do remember Fireball XL5, Thunderbirds, Space 1999! . Gotta say though, that Terrorfish is big! Henry and Emma do not like the fish!
Wasn't 100% sure where to post this so i chose this thread. Had this for a very long time but still one of my favs. It is a tinplate friction drive car, made by Marusan and has a vinyl headed dog who shakes his head as the car drives along. Plus some very kitsch lithography!