Questions & Answers
Our trusted network of 1stDibs sellers answer common questions
How does a wind-up toy work?
1 Answer
How a wind-up toy works relies on a part called a torsion spring. When you turn the knob or key, tension builds up on the torsion spring. When you stop winding, the accumulated energy sets an inner gear in motion that powers the movement of the toy. Find a collection of antique and vintage wind-up toys on 1stDibs.
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
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Shop for Wind Up Toy on 1stDibs
Vintage Toy, Wind Up Toy Musical Carousel, 1950s
Located in Roma, IT
This vintage wind up toy musical carousel is a mechanical toy representing a beautiful carousel with moving horses.
Category
Mid-20th Century European Toys
Materials
Metal
Animal Wind-up toy dog with spin tail, 1950s
Located in Delft, NL
Animal Wind-up toy dog with spin tail, 1950s
A wind-up animal toy, colored yellow with brown spots in velvety soft mohair and green glass eyes.
Category
Mid-20th Century European Toys and Dolls
Materials
Mohair, Straw
J. Chein & Company 1930s Wind-up Toy of a Boy Riding an Alligator
By J. Chein & Co.
Located in San Francisco, CA
Chein & Company in Harrison, New Jersey, this vintage wind-up toy depicts a boy riding an alligator. A wound-up clockwork key powers the alligator forward with its mouth opening and ...
Category
Vintage 1930s American American Classical Toys
Materials
Metal
Vintage Wind-Up Toy, Circa 1950 "Smiling Boy Polishing Boots" Rare
Located in Incline Village, NV
This is a charming rare toy that operates as it should, and is a "must have" for collectors of post-war vintage wind up toys; mainly because of it's rarity, action and shelf appeal.
Category
Vintage 1950s Japanese Folk Art Toys
Materials
Composition, Tin
Vintage Tin Wind Up Toy by Lindstrom, "Dancing Katinka" American, Circa 1930
By Lindstrom Tool & Toy Company 1
Located in Incline Village, NV
"Dancing Katinka" is an all tin wind up toy of American manufacture; made by the Lindstrom Toy Company of Bridgeport, Connecticut in 1930; the company having been established in 1913.
Category
Vintage 1930s American Folk Art Toys and Dolls
Materials
Tin
Two Chein Wind-Up Toys "Dancing Bear" and "Dancing Pig"; American Circa 1938
By J. Chein & Co.
Located in Incline Village, NV
"Dancing Bear" and "Dancing Pig" wind up toys were made by the Chein Toy Company, of New York City, circa 1938, about the same time as "Dancing Rabbit" (also called "Uncle Wiggly", w...
Category
Vintage 1930s American Folk Art Toys
Materials
Tin
