Wind-up toy

A wind-up tin toy is a classic mechanical toy made primarily from thin printed metal (tinplate) and powered by an internal spring mechanism. When the key is wound, the spring stores energy and releases it to produce movement such as walking, rolling, sparking, drumming, or waving. These toys are often brightly lithographed with colorful, vintage-style illustrations and playful characters—robots, animals, vehicles, or people.

Popular from the early to mid-20th century, wind-up tin toys are admired for their craftsmanship, simple engineering, and nostalgic appeal. Today, they are both collectibles and decorative items, celebrated as examples of early toy design and mechanical ingenuity.