Article: Tin clown toys have been in motion since 1800s

Antiques

Tin clown toys have been in motion since 1800s

By RALPH AND TERRY KOVEL

Cowles Syndicate

Sunday, October 7, 2001

Clowns have always been popular children's toys. Tin toys shaped like clowns date to the mid-19th century. But collectors who want affordable collectibles probably should concentrate on the postwar tin toys made in Japan, Europe or the United States in the 1950s and '60s.

Many of the toys were "wind-ups" that were made of brightly decorated tin. A key-wind made the clown climb a pole, ride a unicycle or play a violin or drum. The movement was created by a clockwork mechanism that could easily break. It is difficult to repair.

In good condition, these toys sell for $100 to ...

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