This collection focuses mainly on the period from the 1940's to the late 1960's. Many of the great toy manufacturers such as Triang, Dinky, Meccano, Jetex, Britains, Marx, Gama, Tippco, Mettoy, Hornby and Bassett-Lowke are well represented. There are also examples of lesser known toy makers such as Astra, Whitanco, Glenbur and Harold Flory. Examples from Australian toy makers such as Robilt, Winna, Cyclops and Boomaroo in this collection at White House give an insight into the local scene.
History
Up until the 1960's, clockwork toys were amongst the favourites, as ingenious manufacturers were able to harness the miniature motors to power their products. The early clockwork toys were mainly tinplate, often with brightly coloured lithography and great detail, but plastic was also used. Toys from as little as 5cm long up to those reaching 50cm could be powered by miniature clockwork motors.
Steam powered toys go back to the Industrial Revolution, but modern steam toys are fascinating to see in action. A Basset-Lowke steam train from the 1950's and a Mamod traction engine from the 1960's are typical of the period. Methylated spirits was used as the fuel for these toys and if accidentally spilled during a steaming session, quick action was needed to prevent the toys being engulfed in flames. This is probably the reason for the introduction of safer, solid fuels from the 1970's.
The coming of the jet age after World War II was quickly copied by toy makers. Jetex began producing solid fuel rocket motors from the late 1940's. A range of models including cars, boats, planes, helicopters and rockets soon followed and other model makers increased the range. These miniature rocket motors produced amazing power for a short period and resulted in spectacular effects.
Another method of propulsion for toys was rubber power – the use of strong rubber bands which, when wound tightly and then released, would propel a plane into the air or a submarine under the water. The Glenbur submarines from the 1950's are interesting examples of this form of propulsion. Also by the 1950's, battery power for toys was becoming more common and, combined with radio control, gave children and adults hours of pleasure. Triang produced a radio controlled, battery-powered ship in the early 1950's, an example of which is seen in this collection.
Among the static toys on display are some traditional toy soldiers made of lead. Britains is probably the best known toy manufacturer, having produced toy soldiers from the late 1800's. By the 1960's lead was regarded as being dangerous for use in children's toys and was replaced by plastic, although this did not seem to have the same appeal.
A squad of early Britains plastic soldiers shows the start of this trend. Lead soldiers are now being made again, but for the collectors' market rather than as toys.
One of the simplest toys in the collection, and probably the most appealing is the walking penguin. Made from cast metal and dating from the 1950's its rolling gait as it walks down the slope provides amusement to adults and children alike. For many people the whole collection provides a nostalgic look at their childhood – one of the most common remarks from visitors is “Oh, I used to have one of those. I wonder what happened to it.”
ABC TV production Collectors has featured the White House toy collection in Episode 6 - Roving Eye - Antique toys
