Paya Clockwork Automata Orchestra Conductor Model R-2006 Tinplate Toy (Number 0135 of a limited edition of 5000) 22 cm. This modern reproduction of this vintage clockwork toy features an orchestra conductor. Excellent condition with original box and certificate. The Paya Company, founded in 1902, was where Rafael Paya, the local tinsmith, made his first toy. Four years later Rafael's sons Pascual, Emilio, and Vincente built the first toy factory in Spain. At first Paya manufactured toys under contract for the better-known German and French brands, but by the 1920s were enjoying world-wide success with their own models which were considered the equal of Marklin of Germany. Paya's colors and imprints were considered to be graphically more interesting, precise, and bolder. The 1930's, with Raimundo Paya at the helm, was the time of great expansion for the company and this was when the famous Bugatti race car toy was made. After the war, in 1946, Paya once again started making toys. In 1985, Lino made the decision to remake 50 of the 2000 of Paya's classic tinplate toys, with the production of each toy limited to 5,000 (or less) world-wide, with a numbered certificate to that effect included with each toy. These new toys have been manufactured using the same dies, coloration, craftsmanship and materials as before. The company has also reproduced "0" scale model trains, discontinued since the 1960s, because they are so well known and loved by toy train enthusiasts around the world. An attractive feature of Paya's products is the superb boxes in which they come. The Paya Company just recently shut down its operation.