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Vintage Mechanical tin plated wind up Sparrow Bird toy - 1960's - China

About the Item

Vintage wind-up Sparrow toy with a mechanical tinplated clockwork mechanism - 1960s Manufactured in China in the late 1960s, this sparrow toy features a lithographed tinplate bird with a clockwork mechanism housed in its body, and a key protruding from the right side. The sparrow is red with black, pink, grey, yellow, brown, cream, and white markings. Its tail is loosely attached to the body, and it stands on two brown metal feet. When wound up, the bird moves on two feet and vibrates, causing the tail to move as well. The wind-up mechanism is simple and reminiscent of the type commonly used in Europe before the Second World War (1939-1945), particularly in Germany. This toy was crafted in China for the local market rather than for export. Sparrow bird is in very good condition for its age. Colors are not faded. Similar Sparrow is also part of the collection at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 21.66 in (55 cm)Width: 15.75 in (40 cm)Depth: 4.73 in (12 cm)
  • Style:
    Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1960's
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use.
  • Seller Location:
    EINDHOVEN, NL
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU9046237743442
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