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Toys For Sale
Antique Swan swing set
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A beautifully timeworn children’s ride-on toy crafted in the evocative shape of a swan, likely dating back to the early to mid-20th century. With layers of cracked white paint reveal...
Category
Early 20th Century French Toys
Materials
Steel
East German Yellow Vinyl Giraffe Vintage Toy Classic, 1960s, GDR
Located in Andernach, DE
Wonderfully hand crafted East German vintage toy – a true classic.
These were made from soft vinyl sheets and softly stuffed. here in a lovely yellow, off-white and red combination.
...
Category
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Toys
Materials
Plastic
"William Tell" Mechanical Toy Savings Bank. American, Circa 1896 (All Original)
Located in Incline Village, NV
"William Tell" mechanical bank was patented and manufactured in 1896 by the J. & E. Steven's Company in Cromwell, Connecticut (please see image of the underneath with patent informat...
Category
1890s American Folk Art Antique Toys
Materials
Iron
Small Agua Elemental Spinning Top in Oiled Walnut by Alvaro Uribe for Wooda
By Alvaro Uribe, Wooda
Located in Omro, WI
The initial inspiration for the elemental top collection by Alvaro Uribe for Wooda was wooda’s iconic logo of a tree. We felt it captured the company’s synergy for working with wood ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Toys
Materials
Hardwood, Walnut
Collection of Seven 19thc Miniature Irons
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This fun collection of 19thc cast iron irons are most unusual and very hard to find. These irons were probably like salesman samples or children's.
largest miniature sat iron measur...
Category
Mid-19th Century American Adirondack Antique Toys
Materials
Iron
$1,295 / set
19th Century Original Painted Iron Clown Bank
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This fun and folky original painted iron penny bank has the original painted surface in working condition. Put a penny in his hand and pull the lever for him to swallow the coin. The small tin...
Category
1890s American Country Antique Toys
Materials
Iron
Antique balance toy Galloping Cowboy Moving , handpainted forged iron, 19th C.
Located in Bilzen, BE
An antique balance toy showing a cowboy on it's horse
when it balance is the head and tale of the horse moving like also the cowboy
This is totale han...
Category
Late 19th Century Folk Art Antique Toys
Materials
Wrought Iron
Set of 3 Small Elemental Spinning Tops in Oiled Walnut by Alvaro Uribe for Wooda
By Wooda, Alvaro Uribe
Located in Omro, WI
The initial inspiration for the elemental top collection by Alvaro Uribe for Wooda was wooda’s iconic logo of a tree. We felt it captured the company’s synergy for working with wood ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Toys
Materials
Wood, Hardwood, Walnut
Vintage wooden toy Pinocchio, Italy, 1960s
Located in Miklavž Pri Taboru, SI
Amazing jointed wooden doll, hand painted Pinocchio, made in Italy in the 1960s.
Good vintage condition.
Dimensions:
Width: 9 cm / 3.54 inches
Height: 32 cm / 12.6 inches
Depth: 9 ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Toys
Materials
Wood
"OO-LA-LA!!" Vintage Wind-Up "Crazy Car" by The Louis Marx Toy Co. N.Y.C Ca 1930
Located in Incline Village, NV
Fabulous addition to the "crazy car" examples made famous by the iconic and "Louis Marx Toy Company" manufacturers of fine quality toys and established in New York City in 1919. This...
Category
1930s American Folk Art Vintage Toys
Materials
Tin
Set of 14 Traditional Spanish Christmas Figures, circa 1950
Located in Barcelona, ES
Set of 14 traditional Spanish Christmas figures. Made out of metal. Manufactured in Spain, circa 1950. In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, preservin...
Category
1950s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Toys
Materials
Metal
$1,057 Sale Price / item
20% Off
Antique Century Traditional Toy Singer Sewing Machine Reproduction, circa 1950
Located in Barcelona, ES
Vintage metal toy Singer sewing machine reproduction. In original condition, wear consistent with age and use, preserving a beautiful patina. Materials: Metal.
Category
1950s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Toys
Materials
Metal
$1,435 Sale Price
20% Off
Original Italian Rocking Horse Made of Bamboo and Rattan
Located in München, DE
Original 1960s rocking horse made of bamboo and rattan.
Design attributed to the well-known architect and designer Franco Albini (1905-1977). Made in Italy.
Wonderful decoration fo...
Category
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Toys
Materials
Bamboo, Wicker
$583 Sale Price
55% Off
Early 19th Century Marionette Puppets
Located in London, GB
Early 19th Century Marionette Puppets
A rare untouched example of two hand crafted early 19th century marionette puppets, likely to be French in...
Category
1820s French Antique Toys
Materials
Fabric, Pine, Paper
Collection of 3 Italian 19th Century Marionettes
Located in London, GB
Collection of 3 Italian 19th century Marionettes
A fantastic set of 3 19th century hand crafted marionette puppets. All with original cotton, silk and valour clothing intact, han...
Category
19th Century Italian Early Victorian Antique Toys
Materials
Pine
Wagen Bed in Fiberglass and Palisander Wood Veneer
Located in Paris, FR
Bed Wagen for children room.
Made with fiberglass with outside with chrome-plated finishes.
With palisander wood veneer inside and withseveral storage
compartments for a bed, a tv, ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Toys
Materials
Chrome
$105,300 Sale Price
20% Off
Pair Scottie Dogs Atop Book Theme Japanese Puzzle Bank Occupied Japan Circa 1948
Located in Incline Village, NV
Quite an unusual piece for bank collectors or just for those seeking a unique collectible. This is a coin bank made of all wood; walnut and inlay here and there; simulating a stack and shelf of books; a pair of "Scottie dogs" (terriers) on top of the bank completes the decoration. The slot on top of the bank accommodates the saving of coins. When it is full; the method of opening the bank to remove the coins, exemplifies the ultimate in Japanese ingenuity.
A video attached to the listing displays the foregoing.
With the books facing you; slide the two front bottom panels to the left; slide the bottom right panel forward (tilt forward) exposing the opening; slide out the enclosed loose key; push everything back; slide left half of front panel to the left; the middle book drops down exposing the key hole; insert and turn the key to the right to open; lift the hinged lid; remove coins and reverse the process to start over again. Fantastic item!!!
This bank was made in Japan, right after World War ll, during the occupation, around 1948. It is a further manifestation of a mid to early 19th century tradition of hiding documents and money in boxes with "tricks" and a multiplicity of "moves" to unlock a box or trunk.
With these banks, it is all about condition and completeness, considering the rough play and use it was subject to from trying to figure out how to open it. This particular bank is in excellent and all original, complete condition with no repairs and no replacements, and is from my own personal collection of banks; having been in my possession since 1985. Worth noting is that this example was featured in "Antiquing and Collecting" magazine September 2003 edition in an article on Japanese Puzzle...
Category
1940s Japanese Folk Art Vintage Toys
Materials
Wood
Monumental English Clinker Built Pond Yacht
Located in Staffordshire, GB
circa 1910
Monumental English Clinker Built Pond Yacht
Measures: W162 x D32 x H200 cm.
Category
20th Century Toys
Materials
Hardwood
$4,439 Sale Price
20% Off
"Cat With A Bow Seated" Still Bank, American, circa 1970
Located in Incline Village, NV
"Cat With A Bow Seated" cast iron still bank is a re-issue of a bank by the same name and same casting made in the early 1900s by the Grey Iron C...
Category
1970s American Folk Art Vintage Toys
Materials
Iron
Steiff Bear
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Original German made Steiff Bear with glass eyes. The original tag is in place and in tact. Steiff is know for well made Toy bears that are jointed and hav...
Category
1930s American Adirondack Vintage Toys
Materials
Cotton, Glass
$695
1900 Salesman Sample Of A Step Back Cupboard
Located in Tarrytown, NY
1900 Salesman sample of a step back cupboard.
Category
Early 1900s Antique Toys
Materials
Wood
19th Century Folk-Art Hand-Crafted Bedpost Doll Figure
Located in London, GB
19th century folk-art hand-crafted bedpost doll figure
A rare and highly artistic example of an English 19th century folk art bedpost doll figure. With hand carved detail including ...
Category
1880s British Folk Art Antique Toys
Materials
Wood
Pair of Reindeer Antique Still Banks, American, circa 1910
Located in Incline Village, NV
These two authentic cast iron antique still banks depict a large reindeer and a smaller one standing nearby. Together, they make a wonderful Christ...
Category
1910s American Folk Art Vintage Toys
Materials
Iron
1940s Coney Island Amusement Park Kiddie Car Fire Engine in Original Condition
By Pinto Brothers Mfg.
Located in Savannah, GA
Produced by Pinto Bros Mfg of Coney Island, New York, this all-original 1940s firetruck was part of a circular ride at the famed Coney Island Amusement Park. Featuring lucky Number 4...
Category
1940s American Industrial Vintage Toys
Materials
Metal
$975 Sale Price
50% Off
Articulated Cyclist Toy – Belgian Folk Art, Early 20th Century
Located in Bilzen, BE
"Articulated Cyclist Toy – Belgian Folk Art, Early 20th Century"
Early 20th Century Belgian Folk Art Articulated Cyclist Toy
Handcrafted Solid Wood — Rare Colonial-Era Subject — Mechanically Designed Pedaling Motion (Belt Missing)
Description
A rare and remarkable early 20th-century Belgian folk art toy, hand-carved entirely from solid wood, depicting a stylized Black cyclist mounted on a painted green bicycle. The figure is fully articulated and was originally designed with a mechanical belt-drive system (now absent) connecting the foot pedals to the rear wheel. When pushed forward, the toy was engineered to simulate a realistic cycling motion, animating the rider's legs in tandem with the rotation of the wheels.
Materials & Construction
Primary material: Solid wood (no plywood or laminates)
Figure & Bicycle: Fully carved, hand-painted in polychrome (green, red, black, ochre)
Mechanical features:
Jointed limbs designed to move with crankshaft motion
Metal-spoked wheels on rotating axles
Pulley attachment points for original belt-drive (belt now missing)
Dimensions:
Length: 53 cm
Height: 42 cm
Condition: Structurally intact; expected surface wear and patina consistent with age; belt mechanism missing but all original pulley points and joints remain.
Iconography & Cultural Context
The cyclist is depicted as a Black male figure in a red cap and outlined uniform, rendered in a simplified, expressive style typical of early folk toys. The toy likely reflects Belgium's colonial presence in the Congo during the early 20th century (Congo Free State until 1908, Belgian Congo from 1908–1960). Such depictions were common in Belgian visual culture of the time, often appearing in children's media, toys, and public exhibitions.
This toy offers not only mechanical charm but also serves as a historical document, reflecting period attitudes and visual language. It holds curatorial interest for ethnographic, toy history, and colonial-era cultural studies.
Dating & Attribution
Date: Circa 1900–1930
Origin: Likely Belgium
Style: Folk art, with vernacular mechanics and colonial subject matter
Comparison: Closely parallels German kinetic push toys...
Category
Early 20th Century Belgian Folk Art Toys
Materials
Wood
"Billiken" Cast Iron Still Bank, American, Circa 1909
Located in Incline Village, NV
Original "Billiken" cast iron still bank patented in 1908 by Florence Pretz (patent number on the back in raised letters "NO39BO3". It was manufa...
Category
Early 1900s American Folk Art Antique Toys
Materials
Iron
Vintage Toy, Schuco Patent 1001 Car, Made in Germany, 1940s
Located in Roma, IT
This Schuco Patent 1001 car is a vintage mechanical toy made by Schuco Patent in Germany in 1940s.
The car model is made in U.S.
Not perfec...
Category
Early 20th Century German Toys
Materials
Metal
Harmonica M.Hohner Super chromonica model
Located in Saint ouen, FR
Harmonica M.Hohner
Super chromonica model
Chromatic harmonica
piston harmonica
Near mint condition
L 15,5 x P 3,5 x h 2,5 cms
1943
With original box in perfect condition
Perfe...
Category
1940s Vintage Toys
Materials
Steel
Antique English Drum Chandelier
Located in New York, NY
A circa 1940s English 10-arm brass and wood drum chandelier with original painted finish and patina.
Measurements:
Current drop (adjustable) 42"
Diameter 32".
Category
1940s English Vintage Toys
Materials
Brass
Child' Wind Up Toy "Crawling Beetle" by The Lehman Toy Co. Germany, Circa 1900
Located in Incline Village, NV
Listed as #431 in the Lehman catalogues this wonderful vintage children's wind up toy, manufactured by the prestigious and iconic Lehman Toy Company of Germany; was patented in 1895 (see image--markings under wing ). The toy was made for over 25 years and was quite popular. When wound up using the underside attached clockwork( key (see attached movie) the toy depicts the six legged beetle crawling across the floor by moving it's legs back and forth while flapping it's wings in the air. All the markings "Pat. U.S.A." "D.R.G.M." "Pat April 23, 1895" "Lehman" are clearly marked under the wing (see image). It is lithographed and hand painted in colors of bluish green wings, a red and white head, yellow and black under wings, with red and blackish green legs.
This particular example is completely original ,which is highly unusual for this toy as a search of other examples would reveal that one or several of the legs are typically lacking, or repaired, as are the fragile wings as well. There is no restoration and no touch up paint of any kind. to this toy. It is original in every respect.
The toy is catalogued as "EPL #431" and documented on page 129 of the book "Lehman Toys" by Jurgen & Marianne Cieslik, published in 1982.
Dimensions: 4 1/4" long x 2" high x 4" wide
Provenance: Recently acquired from a highly regarded West Coast collection of antique wind...
Category
Early 1900s German Folk Art Antique Toys
Materials
Tin
2 Vintage Building Block Sets, German, Pine, Toy Box, After Froebel, Baukasten
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a set of two vintage building block cases. A German, pine toy box or baukasten in the manner of Froebel, dating to the mid 20th century, circa 1950.
Two fascinating building...
Category
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Toys
Materials
Wood
Late 19th Century Flat Bottom Toy Noah's Ark with 34 Figures. German Circa 1880
Located in Incline Village, NV
Offered for sale is a very traditional Folk Art item; a handcrafted Noah's Ark toy with 34 hand-painted and hand-carved animals (includes Noah and Naamah). The flat bottom ark indica...
Category
1880s German Folk Art Antique Toys
Materials
Wood
Vintage Model Wood House
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Vintage model wood house featuring front portico and door with many windows and four dormers. House has interior bulb that functions to light interior a...
Category
20th Century American American Classical Toys
Materials
Wood
German Pull Toy Dog, Turning Head, Steiff or Thuringian Workshop, C. 1900 - 1915
By Steiff
Located in Atlanta, GA
A rare and finely constructed early 20th-century German pull toy dog, attributed to the Steiff company or a Thuringian workshop operating in the Steiff tradition, circa 1900–1915. Th...
Category
Early 20th Century German Toys
Materials
Fabric, Wool, Glass, Wood
1929 Ford Trimotor Texaco Airplane
Located in Pasadena, TX
The 1929 Ford Trimotor Texaco Airplane is a highly detailed die-cast collectible model that pays tribute to the iconic aircraft from early American aviation history. Featuring the au...
Category
20th Century Toys
Materials
Plastic
Staffordshire Cottage Still Bank, English, circa 1880
Located in Incline Village, NV
Very attractive and well-made decorative and colorful Staffordshire porcelain money box or savings bank; made in England, indicative of the style potters from that region employed, circa 1880. Nicely detailed with green floral facie, orange double pane windows and front door, and a white painted cottage with brown steps and green fauna at entry. There were no "coin traps" or provisions for coin removal so banks such as these are rare since smashing or breaking the bank was the only method by which the money could be retrieved.
The bank is in very good all original condition with only a minor "hairline" repair to one of the chimney stacks (see image). It is very sound and done a long time ago and is hardly noticeable.
Being a cross collectible, this would be a very unique addition for a Staffordshire collector indeed (the subject being a money box), or a welcome compliment to any still bank...
Category
Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Toys
Materials
Porcelain
"Dancing Sailor" Antique Wind-Up Toy By "The Lehman Toy Company" Germany C. 1909
Located in Incline Village, NV
"Dancing Sailor" by Ernest Paul Lehman of Brandenburg, Germany; patented in 1903 (see image of marking) appears in post turn of the century Lehman Toy catalogues as item #535. After ...
Category
Early 1900s Folk Art Antique Toys
Materials
Tin
Richters German Anchor Stone Blocks Building Toy
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Richters German Anchor blocks building toys / Der Geschickte Baumeister
Made in Rudolstadt, Germany, circa 1900.
Wooden box with printed paper labe...
Category
Early 1900s German Baroque Antique Toys
Materials
Quartz
$1,914 Sale Price
20% Off
Antique Primitive Folk Art Wood & Iron Childrens Sled Sleigh Toboggan 42"
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique late 19th to early 20th century wooden children's Christmas winter sled with worn dark green paint, cut out handles, and iron runners.
Dimensions...
Category
Late 19th Century Country Antique Toys
Materials
Iron
$460 Sale Price
20% Off
Swedish Wooden Toy Horse Rocker
Located in Charleston, SC
A charming handmade wooden toy horse rocker.
Very sturdy for children.
Sweden, circa 1900
Surprising pieces and objects, authentic, decorative and rare...
Category
Early 1900s Swedish Antique Toys
Materials
Pine, Paint
$1,050 Sale Price
30% Off
Vintage Wind Up Small Car Toy, Made in Germany, 1950s
Located in Roma, IT
This wind up small car is a mechanical vintage toy.
Very small nice car beautifully detailed and with his perfectly working clockwork.
Made in Germany....
Category
Mid-20th Century German Toys
Materials
Metal
Mexican Wood Toy Day of the Dead Skulls Folk Art Handmade Artisanal Mechanic
Located in Queretaro, Queretaro
Discover the charm of traditional Mexican folk art with this handcrafted wooden “Day of the Dead Calaveritas” toy, created by master artisans Sanjuana España Rodríguez and Guillermo ...
Category
2010s Mexican Folk Art Toys
Materials
Acrylic, Wood
$480 Sale Price / item
20% Off
Burr 3D gemstone puzzle Angelite
Located in Pacasmayo, PE
Be inspired by this angelite puzzle: decorate, relax and play with intention.
The burr puzzle is of mysterious origin, first seen engraved on the cover of Chambers's Cyclopaedia. A ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Peruvian Toys
Materials
Stone
$189 / item
Japanese Aging Toy Soccer Ball/ Object / 1970-1990s / Wabi-sabi Mingei
Located in Iwate-gun Shizukuishi-cho, Iwate Prefecture
This is an old toy soccer ball.
Over the years, the outer material has peeled off, exposing the inner material. The appearance, which has changed naturally over time, has a beauty th...
Category
Mid-20th Century Japanese Folk Art Toys
Materials
Other
19th C English Country House Double Fronted Teal & Auburn Dolls House
Located in Lowestoft, GB
A rather lovely and very original 19th century dolls house. Double fronted hinged front, opening to reveal six interior sections, with remnants of period wall paper.
layers of origi...
Category
Mid-19th Century English Antique Toys
Materials
Pine
19th Century Spanish Bowling Balls
Located in Round Top, TX
A terrific pair of mid-19th century carved wood bowling balls. A great accessory for any tabletop or bookcase.
Category
Mid-19th Century Spanish Antique Toys
Materials
Wood
$750 / set
"Uncle Wiggly" Toy Rabbit Wind Up Toy Signed "Gene Rosch" by Chein Toy Co C.1938
Located in Incline Village, NV
Dancing rabbit wind up toy, "Uncle Wiggly", was made by the Chein Toy Company, of New York City, circa 1938. It was designed, and the creation of foremost leading toy inventor Gene ...
Category
1930s American Folk Art Vintage Toys
Materials
Tin
Early 20th Century Antique Chinese Gilt Carved Camphor Wood Toys
Located in Pomona, CA
Rare find antique Chinese gilt wooden carved adult toys. It is 100 percent hand made hand carved from Camphor wood with gilt painting on it. They are the couple of a man and a women....
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Toys
Materials
Wood
Japanese Daruma Doll HIMEDARUMA Yuhime-ningyo Ehime 1990s
Located in Paris, FR
This is a doll which is called Yuhime-Ningyo.
These dolls are made in Matsuyama, Ehime prefecture.
The kimono which the doll is wearing is made with silk.
We say that these dolls ar...
Category
1990s Japanese Showa Toys
Materials
Porcelain, Silk, Plastic
Antique Toy Steamroller C1940 Style of Buddy L
By Buddy L. 1
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Large Steamroller toy from the forties. In the style of Buddy L. Repainted and some hardware replaced. In excellent vintage condition with minimal wear. Can be...
Category
1940s American Folk Art Vintage Toys
Materials
Steel
Mexican Wood Toy Colorful Wheel of Fortune Folk Art Handmade Artisanal Mechanic
Located in Queretaro, Queretaro
By master artisans Sanjuana España Rodríguez and husband Guillermo Trejo Soriano (Guanajuato, México) have been known for hand crafting Mexican traditional toys. Sanjuana's late fath...
Category
2010s Mexican Folk Art Toys
Materials
Acrylic, Wood
Mid 19th Century Antique Wooden Rocking Horse on Stand
Located in Stamford, CT
A wonderful mid 19th Century folk working wooden rocking horse painted in early white paint, with glass eyes {one missing} real mane and tail hair, leather saddle on a wooden frame. ...
Category
Mid-19th Century Antique Toys
Materials
Wood
Monumental 19th Century Rocking Horse with Original Paint
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This very fine country rocking horse is not only fantastic looking and all original paint it is sturdy and strong. The pony skin is worn as well as the saddle but all in tack.
Category
Late 19th Century American Adirondack Antique Toys
Materials
Wood, Leather
Art Deco Miniature Furniture Set Painted in Yellow
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Lovely Art Deco miniature yellow painted wood lounge chair and side table furniture set. The chairs are 5.75 x 6.25 x 6.5, table is 4.375 x 3.75 x 3.5. In lovely original condition w...
Category
1930s Dutch Art Deco Vintage Toys
Materials
Wood
German Tinplate Clockwork Wind Up Toy By Ernest Paul Lehman "Quack Quack" C 1903
Located in Incline Village, NV
This is a very popular Lehman wind up toy; emblematic of "whimsy" typical of Ernest Paul Lehman whose toy company opened in Brandenburg, Germany in 1881.. The action portrays a mama duck walking along with her three baby chicks in tow being carried in a basket from behind. The toy is nicely lithographed with a greenish yellow basket; light and dark green baby chicks, and the mother duck with yellow green features and an orange and white undercoat. The underneath of the basket is filled with markings documenting the genesis of the toy. "Paak Paak" German for "Quack Quack": are clearly spelled out along with "Lehman" "Pat. U.S.A. March 12, 1903". Printed on the side #645 indicating the catalogue number (see image).
To operate:
wind up the attached clockwork key on the right side; release while still in your hand to see what happens; wind up some more and then gently place on the floor to watch the baby chicks bob up and down as mama pulls them forward. Very few examples are intact---legs usually absent and mechanisms broken, and examples are incomplete because of rough play.
This example is completely original with no restoration of any kind and no touch up to the lovely surface.
The toy is catalogued as "EPL #645" and documented on page 197 of the book "Lehman Toys" by Jurgen & Marianne Cieslik, published in 1982.
This would be a wonderful addition for the discerning collector of antiques children...
Category
Early 1900s German Folk Art Antique Toys
Materials
Tin
Early 20thC American Stoneware Razor Blade Disposal Piggy Bank Circa 1905
Located in Incline Village, NV
This is a very unique and rare item and quite collectible in that the primary purpose of the bank was to provide a safe method to dispose of used razor blades at the turn of the 19th...
Category
Early 1900s American Folk Art Antique Toys
Materials
Stoneware
19th C. Stoneware Children's Savings Pig Bank. England, Circa 1880
Located in Incline Village, NV
In the late 19th century the concept of thrift became a principle by which parents encouraged their children to safe money by putting their pennies into a "piggy bank", thus the proliferation of these items by pottery manufacturers, this particular example marked "SS" on the underneath indicating "A Smith Ltd.", Longton, England whose ceramic, china, and pottery business began in 1846 by Sampson Smith.
Nicely molded and in excellent condition, this proverbial pig themed penny bank is painted overall white with a multiplicity of green "spatter" spots, the pig standing on all fours has a twisted tail in back. The original finish is beautifully glazed resulting in a lovely patina to this completely original bank with no restoration or touch up paint of any kind and all of it's original hand paint intact.
Since these type of antique banks typically were made without a coin removal trap, the only way to extract the coins would have been the old "knife in the slot" method and retrieving the pennies one by one; or the more simpler method of smashing and breaking the bank, which is why locating these banks is very difficult, rendering a fine example particularly rare.
This example is a wonderful addition to a collection of authentic still banks, folk art, or for those who accumulate pig items. This recently came from an estate collection of pig still banks. A similar example is referenced as #633 "Two Toned Pig" in Andy Moore's "The Penny Bank Book" written in 1984 when collecting pottery banks...
Category
1880s English Folk Art Antique Toys
Materials
Stoneware
"Lamb" Cast Iron Still Bank, American, Circa 1970
Located in Incline Village, NV
"Lamb" cast Iron still bank is a re-issue of a bank made in 1928. It was made by The John Wright Company in Mount Joy, Pennsylvania in 1970. They...
Category
1970s American Folk Art Vintage Toys
Materials
Iron
Antique Native American Plains Indian Doll
Located in Highland, IN
Here is an exceptional piece, fresh from a vintage estate.
This beautiful antique Native American doll has incredible presence and a fan...
Category
19th Century American Native American Antique Toys
Materials
Leather, Beads
Two Chein Wind-Up Toys "Dancing Bear" and "Dancing Pig"; American Circa 1938
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" (a...
Category
1930s American Folk Art Vintage Toys
Materials
Tin
Antique, New and Vintage Toys
Children as well as nostalgic grown-ups are still finding pleasure in toys and objects designed specifically for playtime that are, in comparison to today’s digital device-oriented distractions, far more modest in nature. Indeed, antique, new and vintage toys of years past — handmade folk-art toys such as wooden train sets, dolls, rocking horses and more — can be enjoyed by the young and old alike. In contemporary interiors, gently aging toys are wonderfully uncomplicated decorative objects primed for display in a cabinet or other case piece.
With their romantic appeal and frequent incorporation of natural materials, some vintage toys and folk-art toys are treasured collectibles, showcasing the beauty of handmade craftsmanship. Alongside other works characterized as folk art — in this case, visual art, typically reflective of a community’s culture and usually handmade by craftspeople working within a popular tradition — handcrafted vintage toys are historical works of art worthy of any collector’s mantel. These are toys that tell a story of the time in which they were produced and the people who produced them.
Like any artifact, toys provide a window into the past. The ornamental dolls of the Victorian era, for example, produced in Germany and England, made of ceramics such as porcelain and dressed in textured fabrics, speak to the fashion of the era and will add a pop of color and a decorative flourish to the neutral corners of your home.
Mid-century modern toys are as sophisticated as the widely cherished furniture of the era. As much as they thought good design for the home should be available for all, iconic American design duo Charles and Ray Eames believed in making durable and interesting products for kids too. Today, their Eames Elephant is available from Vitra and Herman Miller, and it doesn’t even require a digital screen.
Explore a unique collection of antique and vintage toys as well as folk-art toys on 1stDibs.
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German Hand Puppets
Jointed Bear
Richters Building Blocks
Russian Vintage Toys
Sand Toy
Vintage Fire Truck
Vintage Hobby Horse Toy
Vintage John Wright Cast Iron