Automata are toys that have a mechanism that
animates the toy in some way from energy stored in the toy. In old toys,
the motive energy usually comes from a spring apparatus. Many windup toy
vehicles fall into this category but also do circus toys, dancers,
magicians, and others. Here are a few very interesting ones I've found: |
![Your ALT-Text here](images/StrongQuixoteDollsHeadFullR500.jpg)
Photo by Jim Sneed from the Strong National Museum of
Play collection
The handsome young boy rides an elephant. |
![Your ALT-Text here](images/StrongQuixoteFullBestR500.jpg)
Photo by Jim Sneed from the Strong National Museum of
Play collection
Pull the string under the elephant and his head flips off exposing an
older man's head. |
![Your ALT-Text here](images/StrongQuixoteDollHeadR500.jpg)
Photo by Jim Sneed from the Strong National Museum of
Play collection |
![Your ALT-Text here](images/StrongQuixoteDollHeadsR500.jpg)
Photo by Jim Sneed from the Strong National Museum of
Play collection |
![Your ALT-Text here](images/MorphyAutomataClownPoodle.jpg)
Photo courtesy of Morphy Auctions
European Poodle Pulling Clown Tricycle |
![Your ALT-Text here](images/MorphyAutomataClownTricycle.jpg)
Photo courtesy of Morphy Auctions
Tin Clown Clockwork Tricycle |
![Your ALT-Text here](images/MorphyAutomataHansomCabGerman.jpg)
Photo courtesy of Morphy Auctions
German Clockwork Hansom Cab |
![Your ALT-Text here](images/MorphyAutomataBoat.jpg)
Photo courtesy of Morphy Auctions
Clockwork Boat |
![Your ALT-Text here](images/MorphyAutomataFishing.jpg)
Photo courtesy of Morphy Auctions
Fishing Pull-toy |
![Your ALT-Text here](images/MorphyAutomataClownLadder.jpg)
Photo courtesy of Morphy Auctions
European, probably French, Clown Acrobat |
![Your ALT-Text here](images/MorphyAutomataMKGermanBillBaileyComingHome.jpg)
Photo courtesy of Morphy Auctions
M&K Toy - Bill Bailey Coming Home |