Vintage Tinplate Toys

Tinplate toys are generally mechanical toys made out of tinplate and colourfully painted to resemble a character or vehicle. The invention of sheet metal stamping machines in 1815 allowed for the mass production of inexpensive tinplate toys, a cheap and durable substitute for wooden toys.

Ernst Paul Lehmann

Germany was the major producer of tinplate toys in the early 20th century, the most famous manufacturer being Ernst Paul Lehmann, but also notably Bing, Flesichmann, Shuco and Marklin. France and England soon joined in, with the French Rossignol factory and the Chad Valley factory in Britain.

Tinplate Toys in Britain

There were many manufacturers in Britain, some of the most enduring being Mettoy, Triang (Minics), Brimtoy and Wells.

Louis Marx and Company

Production of tin toys in the United States didn't start in earnest until tin ore mines were opened in Illinois, and it wasn't until after WW1 that they began to make real dents in the market. There was a growing demand for American-produced tinplate toys, and by the 1920s, American firms had overtaken the competition, the largest and most successful firm from the 1920s to 60s being Louis Marx and Company.

Japan

Japan began producing tinplate toys at pretty much the same time and rate as Europe, but it wasn't until the 1950s / 60s that their quality was recognised, and popularity grew. Some of the rarest and most valuable tinplate toys are Japanese in origin. Brightly lightographed, and with intricate mechanical, clockwork or battery-operated mechanisms, they include but aren't limited to cars, robots, planes and space-themed tinplate toys, by key manufacturers including Nomura, Yonezawa, Alps, Ichiko, Bandai and Masudaya

Get in Touch

If you have any tinplate toys, both large collections or individual items, boxed or unboxed, sealed or used, we'll consider them.

So give Jonathan, our vintage and tinplate toys auction specialist, a call on 020 3633 0913, or use our online valuation form, and we’ll be happy to provide you with a FREE no-obligation valuation.

Our auction results speak for themselves, and it is simple to search through our past Vintage Toys auctions to get an idea of value and how we will present your items for sale.

We also offer a collection service if you're unable to bring the items to us yourself.