VINTAGE TIN TOYS

Lithograph tin toys took the world by storm in the late 1800s as the world’s first easily reproducible and cost-efficient toy. The original tin toys were meticulously hand-painted, slowing production time, but with the introduction of lithograph printing, the penny toys were able to be mass-produced, becoming a favorite among kids worldwide. 

During the second world war tin toy production nearly ceased as the materials were needed for the war effort. Previously produced in Germany, France, England, and the US, Japan became the leader in tin toy manufacturing following the war. 

In the 1960s, plastic toys and new toy safety regulations essentially ended the reign of tin toys around the world. 

Their simple mechanics and detailed art have made them highly valued collectables. My thanks to all the collectors who allowed me to use their toys to create these pieces.