5 Clowns on Wheels
Maker: Korea,Japan,China,Germany
Materials: Tin, plastic
Construction: Tinplating, molded plastic
Labels/Tags: Happy Days
Age: 1970-1980
Description: These clowns all ride some form of wheeled vehicle. Tricycles, scooters, motorcycles, and carriages are fair game. Four of the five come in their original packaging.
Size: H. 7.0x W. 5.0x D. 3.75"
Provenance: NJ Estate
Weight: 1lbs 6oz
Condition: Minor paint damage, some tearing of the boxes, and slight wear.
History: Tinplate was used in the manufacture of toys beginning in the mid-19th century. The toys were made from thin sheets of steel plated with tin, hence the name tinplate. They were a cheap and durable substitute for wooden toys. The toys were originally assembled and painted by hand. Spring activated tin toys originated in Germany in the 1850s. In the late 1880s offset lithography was used to print designs on tinplate. After the colorful designs were printed on the metal, they were formed by dies and assembled with small tabs. The lightweight of the toys allowed them to be shipped less expensively and easier than the heavier cast iron toys.