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Toys and Dolls For Sale
1960s Scandinavian Hanging Doll Bell Hand Crafted Art Pottery
Located in Chula Vista, CA
AMBIANIC presents
Vintage Doll Shaped Scandinavian Bell Handmade Art Pottery
Unmarked.
13.5 with rope 7.5 h without rope x 3 w x 2.5
Unrestored preowned...
Category
1960s Scandinavian Modern Vintage Toys and Dolls
Materials
Pottery
19th Century Articulated Pull Along Dog Toy
Located in London, GB
19th century articulated pull along dog toy
A wonderful example of a late 19th Century articulated pull along dog, constructed from pine and metal hinged body with painted detail surface. Original fabric canvas ears still intact as is its full chain. Glass eyes and red wooden wheels give this rare toy a wonderful quirky and decorative look, when pulled along the dog wiggles from side to side, a real bit of fun.
Dimensions in inches: H 14 x D 20 x W 7
Origin: English
circa: 1880 - 1920
Condition: Good
Completely solid in structure and form, aged surface as shown with a deep natural patina across all areas. A rare survivor so please expect this to be reflected in this items condition. The House of Antiques...
Category
1880s British Early Victorian Antique Toys and Dolls
Materials
Pine
Vintage Embroidered Elephant Toy in Stuffed Cotton from India 1950s
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage Raj Hand-Crafted Stuffed Cotton Embroidered Elephant, India, 1950.
Collectible, one of a kind, small Anglo Raj vintage hand-crafted stuffed cotton embroidered elephant.
Handm...
Category
Mid-20th Century Indian Anglo Raj Toys and Dolls
Materials
Textile
Large Kokeshi Doll XL Size Hand Painted Wood Japan Showa 48cm
Located in Poperinge, BE
Beautiful large hand made and painted kokeshi doll from the late Showa period (1926-1989), XL size of 48cm! Circa 70s-80s, Japan, signed at the bottom by the maker.
Specific areas h...
Category
1970s Japanese Showa Vintage Toys and Dolls
Materials
Wood
Set of Three Like New Mid-Century Danish Vikings Figures w/ Box by Jacob Jensen
By Jacob Jensen
Located in San Diego, CA
Set of three like new mid-century Danish viking figures made of mixed woods with original box by Jacob Jensen, circa 1950s. The figures are in excellent vintage condition and measure...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Toys and Dolls
Materials
Wood, Teak, Walnut
16 x 18th Century Venetian Marionette Puppets from Commedia dell’arte Theatre
Located in London, GB
Antique Venetian Marionettes, Antique Puppets, Venice Carnival Antiques, Masked Ball Antiques, Venetian Mask, Commedia dell'art Theatre Marionettes.
Co...
Category
Mid-17th Century Italian Baroque Antique Toys and Dolls
Materials
Metal
Architectural Models Arms, Armor and Weapons Aviation Objects Books Collectible
Located in Autonomous City Buenos Aires, CABA
Antique French cage with singing automaton bird
This vintage French songbird mechanical automaton is a beautiful collectible that will add charm to any room. Made in France, it dates...
Category
19th Century French Belle Époque Antique Toys and Dolls
Materials
Metal
Minimalist Kokeshi attributed to Muhitsu Miyajima, Japan, 1970s
Located in Lyon, FR
Minimalist Kokeshi, attributed to Muhitsu Miyajima, made in the 1970s.
With its simplistic design, and its moveable head, it is perfect to be paired with our "Old Man Kokeshi", featu...
Category
1970s Japanese Japonisme Vintage Toys and Dolls
Materials
Wood
"Lady and Baby by The Wishing Well" Still Bank, German, circa 1910
Located in Incline Village, NV
Very interesting wooden still bank with lots going on. All hand-carved of wood with four small circular risers elevating the base. There is a water pump with a bucket hanging from it and a metal pumper attached to the top. A hand-carved and painted brown pine tree is attached at the opposite corner with a large water well to the other corner. A lady with outstretched arms and a "King Cole" type headdress seems to be reaching out to her baby dressed in green who is lying down on top of the well, next to the coin slot. Perhaps she is about to bathe her. A bird looks on from atop the perch protruding from the pump. Dominant hand painted colors are different shades of brown and all original with no repaint. Very nice all original paint and condition with a small chip missing here and there to this handmade, kind of "folksy", and very well done bank (see images). A round circular key lock trap for releasing the coins is on the underneath, along with "Wishing Well German" handwritten on the opposite corner (see image). Whether written by an earlier collector or maker is not known.
Dimensions: 4" square x 3 5/8" high.
A unique one of a kind piece to add to a collection of still banks and a nice addition to a Folk Art collection (from my own collection).
I am a leading specialist in the field of antique coin...
Category
1910s German Folk Art Vintage Toys and Dolls
Materials
Wood
A Wonderful Old French Pull Along Circus Elephant
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
A Wonderful Old French Pull Along Circus Elephant
Our charming fellow has a a very worn felt coat/saddle and a matching head dress, he sits on red tin w...
Category
1920s Arts and Crafts Vintage Toys and Dolls
Materials
Felt
American Salesman Sample Late 19th C. Wooden Hay Wagon
Located in Incline Village, NV
SALESMAN SAMPLE: Late 19th C. American (4) wheeled hand carved all wooden horse drawn hay wagon, in excellent condition with original gold stenciling to carr...
Category
1890s American Folk Art Antique Toys and Dolls
Materials
Wood
Rubber Dachshund - Possible Pirelli rubber
Located in Lugo, IT
Rubber dachshund.
Possible Pirelli rubber.
Horseshoe logo and made in Italy.
Good condition.
Thanks
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Toys and Dolls
Materials
Rubber
Child's Learning Desk Chalk Board, Accessories "Writing School Slate Desk" C1875
Located in Incline Village, NV
Child's rectangular lap top learning desk made by the Shepherd Company, New York, circa 1875. Hinge top lifts up to reveal a double sided chalk board, the interior houses an inkwell ...
Category
1870s American Victorian Antique Toys and Dolls
Materials
Wood
19th Century Italian Painted Wood Rocking Horse
Located in Atlanta, GA
19th century Italian painted wood rocking horse.
Category
19th Century Italian Antique Toys and Dolls
Materials
Wood, Paint
"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 and Dolls
Materials
Iron
Mechanical Bank "Pelican, " Made of Cast Iron, circa 1878
By John Gerrard
Located in Incline Village, NV
The Pelican Mechanical Bank is made of cast iron and was manufactured by The J. & E. Steven's Manufacturing Company, in Cromwell, Connecticut in 1878. It was, however, created by John Gerard of the Trenton Lock & Hardware Company in Trenton, New Jersey. This is probably the best example I've had for sale and is in excellent all original condition and paint. Often times the top beak of the pelican is replaced or repaired this example has the original beak. There were several variations made of the figure in the pelican's mouth. This is the "mammy" example. The bank was finished in both a gold and a dark...
Category
19th Century American Folk Art Antique Toys and Dolls
Materials
Iron
Kay Bojesen Beech Toy Wagon 'a Family Trip', 1950s, Denmark
By Kay Bojesen
Located in Esbjerg, DK
This Wagon designed by Kay Bojesen in the 1950s features four characters in a wagon: mother, father and their two sons. This items has been loved and played with for many years and t...
Category
1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Toys and Dolls
Materials
Beech
Vintage Wooden Jaymar Toy on Wheels, circa 1930
By Jaymar
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Classic Jaymar Wooden Pull Along Toy from the 1930's. The toy features a boy sitting atop four wheels. This vintage child's toy is a wonderful piece to add to a current collection or...
Category
Early 20th Century American American Classical Toys and Dolls
Materials
Wood
Annette Himstedt Doll Kima 1993/1994
Located in Delft, NL
Annette Himstedt doll "Kima" 1993/1994, Germany
"Kima" a vinyl doll made by Annette Himstedt, produced during 1993/1994. Kima in a beautiful lace dres...
Category
20th Century German Toys and Dolls
Materials
Fabric, Plastic
1950s Spanish Metal Dog Toy with Ball
Located in Marbella, ES
1950s Spanish metal dog toy with ball.
Category
Mid-20th Century Spanish Toys and Dolls
Materials
Metal
Antique Articulating Teddy Bear Driving Wagon Platform Pull Toy Americana
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique wheeled platform articulating pull toy featuring a teddy bear stuffed animal seated in a red white and blue wagon with arms that move up and down a...
Category
Early 20th Century American Classical Toys and Dolls
Materials
Mohair, Hardwood
Set of Three Vintage Duck Easter Candy Container Bobble Head, German, 1950s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A Collection of three German Easter candy containers made of cardboard, bobble heads and some other parts.
Candy box made of cardboard. Nice ad...
Category
1950s German Folk Art Vintage Toys and Dolls
Materials
Metal
Antique Art Deco Sterling Silver and Bakelite Telephone Child's Toy Baby Rattle
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This antique figural telephone child's baby rattle is presumed to have been made in the United States in circa 1930 in the period Art Deco style. The toy rattle is composed of a mold...
Category
Early 20th Century American Art Deco Toys and Dolls
Materials
Sterling Silver
Pair of Painted Leather Giraffe Sculptures
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Charming pair of hand painted leather giraffe sculptures featuring a geometric pattern body and life like heads. Beautifully hand-crafted with expressi...
Category
20th Century Indian Mid-Century Modern Toys and Dolls
Materials
Leather
Seated "Cat with a Bow" Still Bank, American, circa 1922
By Grey Iron Casting Company
Located in Incline Village, NV
"Cat with a Bow Seated" cast iron still bank is a difficult bank to acquire and is listed in Andy Moore's "The Penny Bank Book" as #364 and rated a "D" (A to F rarity scale--A most c...
Category
1920s American Folk Art Vintage Toys and Dolls
Materials
Iron
Train Station Toy, Germany, Around 1950s
Located in Wien, AT
Train station toy, Germany, around 1950s
Working well
Original condition.
Category
1950s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Toys and Dolls
Materials
Metal
Collectible "Knoll" Tractor Trailer Truck Toy with Original Box by Winross USA
By Knoll
Located in San Diego, CA
Very cool and collectible "Knoll" diecast tractor trailer truck toy with original box by Winross USA of Rochester, NY, circa 1980's. This is new old stock and appears to have never ...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Toys and Dolls
Materials
Metal
Early 20th Century Scratch-Built Tricycle Model
Located in London, GB
Early 20th century scratch-built tricycle model.
A charming example of an English scratch built folk art child’s tricycle model. Constructed from a metal frame, wooden wheels, han...
Category
1920s British Folk Art Vintage Toys and Dolls
Materials
Metal
Vintage French Pedal Car, 1950s — Restored Metal Body with Rubber Tires
Located in Northport, MI
A beautifully restored midcentury French pedal car, dating from the 1950s. Featuring a streamlined silhouette reminiscent of early Grand Prix racers, ...
Category
1950s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Toys and Dolls
Materials
Metal
Mid-Century Children's Wooden Pony with Wheels and Red Painted Details
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mid-Century children's wooden pony with wheels, red painted details, handles and straw mane and tail. Perfect for a children's room or nursery. In original condition with visible wea...
Category
1960s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Vintage Toys and Dolls
Materials
Straw, Wood
Rare Limited Edition Designer Toy Killjoy by Michael Lau
Located in Weesp, NL
Limited edition Designer toy Killjoy 0271/1000 designed in 2000 by Michael Lau for Crazysmiles. This rare piece comes with its original box in great condit...
Category
Early 2000s Hong Kong Modern Toys and Dolls
Materials
Plastic, Rubber
Vintage Bronx Toy Factory Copper and Screw Eyes Iron Doll Mold Head
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Vintage Bronx toy factory industrial doll head mold. Awesome screw eyes. Fantastic patina and layered surface from exposure to various chemicals and high heat during the manufacturin...
Category
1950s American Steampunk Vintage Toys and Dolls
Materials
Copper, Iron
German Tinplate Clockwork Wind Up Toy by the Lehman Co. "Balky Mule" Circa 1909
Located in Incline Village, NV
Perhaps the wildest action of all the Lehman toys, said to resemble Ernest Paul Lehman's temperament (founder of the company), "Balky Mule" was first manufactured in 1897 in Berlin (Brandenburg), and had a multi decade run; this example is from around 1909 (see image with markings to the rear of the carriage). The toy is catalogued as "EPL #425" and documented on page 59 and 60 of the book "Lehman Toys" by Jurgen & Marianne Cieslik, published in 1982.
To operate the toy; wind up the attached clockwork key on the underneath of the carriage and place the toy on the floor. Do not over-wind and be gentle, as the toy is aggressive and over 100 years old. The toy will go backwards and forward, and the clown will pop up and down as the cart goes in several different directions across the floor until it winds down (see video accompanying the listing for guidance).
The toy is found broken and/or inoperable, more often than not, because of the rough action, and typical abuse by children (after all, it was a toy).
This example is in very nice original condition and works well. The lithography and hand paint is bright and original with no touch up or repaint. The hand paint is; flesh tones to the face of the clown, red trousers, orange hair, and grey paint to the seat of the carriage. The clothing to the clown figure is still intact and all original. The lithography to the wheels features brightly colored clowns and a German marking logo. What is really unusual is the fact that the donkey still has all four of its loosely attached original legs, considering the aggressive action of the toy. The metal on the donkey is actually treated with "fabric like" paint, to simulate fur.
All in all this is a really cool toy and a "must have" for the collector of tin toys, or someone who simply wants a wonderful example of an early, "turn of the century" iconic wind up toy.
Provenance: Recently acquired from a prominent toy collection in Los Angeles, California
Dimensions: 7 1/2" long x 3" wide x 5" high
Note: After 40 plus years of dealing and collecting toys, I am justly qualified to guarantee and present the authenticity of antique and vintage toys and children's playthings; important considering the fakes and reproductions in the marketplace
it would behoove an enterprising collector, dealer, or decorator to take advantage of the opportunity to buy as many of the vintage tin...
Category
Early 1900s German Folk Art Antique Toys and Dolls
Materials
Tin
Hermanos Calavera Diablo in Oiled Walnut by Miguel and Ilse Silva for Wooda
Located in Omro, WI
These handsome but quirky brothers designed by Miguel and Ilse Silva for Wooda are the result of an engaging mix of personality, love, fun and mischievousness. Los Hermanos Calavera(...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Toys and Dolls
Materials
Wood, Hardwood, Walnut
Real Toscana Sheep Truffle Fur Rabbit Toy
By JG Switzer
Located in Sebastopol, CA
Design commissioned by JG SWITZER from a Ukranian plush toy artist, and sewn in our workshop from fluffy fur scraps, LITTLE JG RABBIT is for Bigs AND Littles. Created from our re-purposed, real Toscana...
Category
2010s American Arts and Crafts Toys and Dolls
Materials
Fur
Vintage Wind Up Tin Toy "Monkey Riding A Horse" by Haji Co., Japan, Circa 1958
Located in Incline Village, NV
Made in Tokyo, Japan by The Haji Company (see image for mark/logo), this all tin vintage wind up toy, circa 1958, depicts a "Monkey Riding A Horse". It ...
Category
1950s Japanese Folk Art Vintage Toys and Dolls
Materials
Tin
Vintage American Made Antique Wooden Snow Sled Toboggan
Located in Oakville, CT
Original, Vintage, American Made, Wooden Snow Sled / Toboggan. Bring the whole gang with you on this sleigh ride! The seat is 142" long with the original p...
Category
20th Century American Primitive Toys and Dolls
Materials
Metal
Chac Mool Mexico 1968 Olympics Unofficial Mascot Souvenir Plush Toy
Located in Mexico City, MX
A rare pink and green fabric Chac Mool plush toy with plastic details and a green ribbon from the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City. Chac Mool means Great Jaguar in Mayan language ...
Category
1960s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Vintage Toys and Dolls
Materials
Fabric, Plastic
19th Century Antique Children's Carriage
Located in London, GB
A Children’s Painted Calèche
Modelled on a full-sized barouche, this fully functional children’s carriage was either goat- or dog-drawn. The fram...
Category
19th Century English Antique Toys and Dolls
Materials
Metal, Steel
Hermanos Calavera Jefe in Oiled Walnut by Miguel and Ilse Silva for Wooda
Located in Omro, WI
These handsome but quirky brothers designed by Miguel and Ilse Silva for Wooda are the result of an engaging mix of personality, love, fun and mischievousness. Los Hermanos Calavera ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Toys and Dolls
Materials
Hardwood, Maple, Oak, Walnut
Early 20th Century English Folk Art Figure
Located in London, GB
Early 20th century English Folk Art Figure
We share what we love, and we love this early 20th Century example of an English doubl...
Category
1920s European Folk Art Vintage Toys and Dolls
Materials
Pine
Vintage Cast Iron Book of Knowledge Mechanical Bank, Punch & Judy, 20th Century
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Hand-painted cast iron mechanical bank "Punch and Judy Bank."
A vintage book of knowledge Punch & Judy mechanical bank offers polychrome cast cons...
Category
Early 20th Century Taiwanese Folk Art Toys and Dolls
Materials
Iron
Collection of Antique French Doll Furniture or Salesmen's Samples Early 1900's
Located in Chicago, IL
Collection of (7) mostly French Doll House Furniture or possibly Salesman's Samples or simply Child's Toys? One of the pieces was made from an Ameri...
Category
1920s Country Vintage Toys and Dolls
Materials
Mirror, Wood
Real Toscana Sheep White Fur Rabbit Toy
By JG Switzer
Located in Sebastopol, CA
Design commissioned by JG SWITZER from a Ukranian plush toy artist, and sewn in our workshop from fluffy fur scraps, LITTLE JG RABBIT is for Bigs AND Littles. Created from our re-purposed, real Toscana...
Category
2010s American Arts and Crafts Toys and Dolls
Materials
Fur
19th Century Teddy Bear
Located in Tetbury, Gloucestershire
19th century Teddy bear with charming time worn patina
Category
19th Century Belgian Antique Toys and Dolls
Materials
Fabric
Fine Quality Antique French Toy "Dancing Couple", circa 1880, Rare
Located in Incline Village, NV
One of a kind, fine quality antique toy, "Dancing Couples" is of French manufacture, it is marked in raised lettering "A.L. Paris" at the top of the base. It is also very similar to several French toys noted in "Antique Toys" by Jeffrey Levitt, and the young lady's face is almost identical to the bisque face on a French toy referenced on page 209 plate #372.
This outstanding toy consists of two figures, a young man resembling Napoleon Bonaparte, and a young lady, dressed in period clothes with bisque (porcelain) faces and heads and wooden legs. The base is some type of metal composite consisting of a cast lead alloy. The polychromed hand painted blue and red metal dance floor is also a lead alloy. The wire stands supporting the figures is of ferrous metal.
The bisque faces are very lifelike with flesh tones and blue eyes, rosy cheeks to the lady with bisque auburn hair. He is dressed in original period Napoleon type military clothes...
Category
1880s American Victorian Antique Toys and Dolls
Materials
Metal
Mechanical Bank 'Sentry', circa 1925
Located in Incline Village, NV
"Sentry" tin mechanical bank is very difficult to find, having been made in Germany by the company Saalheimer & Strauss for the British market. The rif...
Category
19th Century American Folk Art Antique Toys and Dolls
Materials
Tin
Petite Art Deco Flapper Girl Pin Cushion Half Doll
Located in Devon, England
Very delicate and petite Art Deco flapper girl, half nude with black bob hair cut without stretched arms. An unusual size and beautifully detail...
Category
Mid-20th Century German Art Deco Toys and Dolls
Materials
Ceramic
Rare Antique Wooden Child's Ride on Wooden Toy Boat by Nautilus Toy Co. London
Located in Buffalo, NY
Rare antique wooden child's ride on wooden toy boat by Nautilus Toy Co. London wonderful Folk Art object. 1920s ride on toy made by the Nautilus Toy Compan...
Category
1920s English Folk Art Vintage Toys and Dolls
Materials
Metal
Christmas Toys Santa Claus Christmas Miniature Tree w Lights
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Christmas Toys display of artisan made Christmas boot with miniature Christmas tree with lights battery operated, and Handcarved Wooden Santa Claus figu...
Category
1950s American American Classical Vintage Toys and Dolls
Materials
Wood
Luxurious Rabbit Teddy Bear, Made from Gold Fox, Finland
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Introducing an extraordinary piece that transcends the boundaries between plush toy and sculptural art: our meticulously crafted rabbit teddy bear, fashioned from genuine Finnish gold...
Category
2010s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Toys and Dolls
Materials
Fur
Set of 5 Swedish Folk Wooden Dala Horse Toys, circa 1960
By Nils Olsson
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Set of 5 handpainted Swedish wooden traditional Dala horse toy.
Designed by Nils Olsson in Sweden, circa 1960.
Materials:
Wood
In original condition, with...
Category
1960s Swedish Folk Art Vintage Toys and Dolls
Materials
Wood
Vintage Inflatable Rubber Doll By Libuse Niklova, Czechoslovakia 1970s
Located in Zohor, SK
Rare and unique inflatable rubber doll designed by the queen of toys in Czechoslovakia - Libuse Niklova. Niklova was a leading toy designer in Czechoslovakia, working for Fatra compa...
Category
1970s Czech Mid-Century Modern Vintage Toys and Dolls
Materials
Plastic
Set of Three Midcentury Danish Vikings Figures by Jacob Jensen
By Jacob Jensen
Located in San Diego, CA
Set of three midcentury Danish Viking figures made of mixed woods by Jacob Jensen, circa 1950s. The figures are in good vintage condition and measure: 5...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Toys and Dolls
Materials
Wood, Teak, Walnut
English Jigger Doll
Located in London, GB
English Jigger Doll
We are proud to offer an early 20th century hand carved folk art English jigger doll example. Carved from pine and joined with brass supports. Jig dolls are traditional wooden or tin-plate ‘toys’ for adults or children. Obtained from a private collection in London and untouched in form with all its original featured intact. They are dolls with loose limbs that step dance...
Category
1920s British Folk Art Vintage Toys and Dolls
Materials
Pine
Group Of Four Antique Miniature Trunks & Hatbox Candy Containers
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A collection of 3 miniature trunk form candy containers and one hat box form candy box with patent date of 1922. One box with Schrafft's label on verso, wooden ribs and a key. The ha...
Category
Early 20th Century American Art Deco Toys and Dolls
Materials
Paper
Danish Modern Solid Teak Carved Lion Toy / Lint Brush, Bojesen Era
Located in San Diego, CA
Danish modern solid teak carved lion toy / lint brush by Laurids Lonborg, circa 1950s. This incredibly fun lion lint brush was originally designed by Lonborg ...
Category
20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Toys and Dolls
Materials
Teak
Prototype Late 19th Century Hand Carved Toy Horse Drawn Hansom Cab, American
Located in Incline Village, NV
This is a hand carved wood prototype for a toy that would have been the model for a 19th century cast iron or tin horse drawn hansom cab. It precedes the mol...
Category
1890s American Folk Art Antique Toys and Dolls
Materials
Wood
Antique, New and Vintage Toys and Dolls
Antique, new and vintage toys and dolls 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.
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. 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 and dolls 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, new and vintage toys and dolls as well as folk-art toys on 1stDibs.