THE PATENTED TOY BOX
Games and toys (re)invented in the 19th century, for all ages!
The patented toy box
Games and toys (re)invented in the 19th century, for all ages!
A return to (early) childhood
Rattles, spinning tops and ratchet noisemakers are the oldest toys in the world. Known since ancient times, they are supposed to calm crying and screaming, while stimulating babies and developing their senses. The inventor envisaged that by blowing into the handle of the toy, the expelled air would cause the spinning top to move, with a flag at the top of the rattle.
A toy top, 1860
In this patent, the inventor envisages winding the cord around the body of the top. This cord, pulled sharply, gives the spinning top its rotation.
Observing and imitating nature
Toy reminiscent of butterfly flight, with artificial wings attached to a pivot with a cord. The wind rushes in, and the invention simulates natural flight.
The toy train
The 19th century saw the beginnings and growth of railways. Whether it's moving people or goods, the train revolutionises the way we travel. It leaves a lasting impression on the imagination, and play with a toy train is a very popular activity with children. The inventor developed a system of rails by stamping them into the base of the toy, and a convoy made up of a locomotive and wagons. A Vaucanson chain transmits the train's movement by means of a lever system that pulls and pushes the convoy.
Early musical development
It's an aspect of sensory development to which children have access from birth, and sometimes even before! As well as providing a soothing sound environment to help children fall asleep, certain toys can help them discover new things: sounds emitted by musical toys help encourage their development.
The “diablocor”, a musical instrument coupled to an articulated puppet, 1888.
Playing with dolls
Depending on the country or period in which it is used, the doll reveals different facets. Whether as a children's toy, a collector's item or part of rituals or domestic cults, the list of its characteristics is long. The "Nana" doll, patented in 1879, had a resolutely modern appearance for its time, and is reminiscent of a famous doll marketed at the end of the 1950s. But this charming doll has two faces: that of a young girl masks that of an old woman.
The first porcelain heads, 1843
The animated doll house, 1877
The house is powered by a clockwork movement that operates a number of different items, such as water jets, animals (ducks, swans) and so on.
Learning through play
When games and toys become learning tools The inventors of this domino game, for example, see an educational dimension: as well as lining up the dominoes, they planned to teach colours, letters, numbers and images.
Games and mechanics: the acrobat puppet, 1882
An animated figurine that climbs up a mast: that's the invention behind this acrobat puppet, wound by a crank!
Polichinelle
Decorated tableware for teaching reading and arithmetic, 1862. The sentences are broken down into syllables and translated into several languages, while the numbers are in French, also translated into foreign languages, and in Roman numerals.
Meccano
Invented by Frank Hornby, a father of two boys, Meccano is a system of parts enabling them to build a crane like the ones loading and unloading ships in the port of Liverpool that so fascinated them. The standard prefabricated parts were metal slats perforated with circular holes. The initial aim was to provide an introduction to mechanics, with brass angle irons, plates, axles, wheels and gears.
Go and play outside!
Outdoor games and activities: Who hasn't dreamed of being a horseman, a proud knight or a sidesaddle rider? The rolling horse first appeared in the 17th century. Following in the footsteps of velocipedes and other two-wheelers, it was fitted with a crankset from the mid-19th century.
The swing, 1865
The invention shown here is "all-in-one", which serves to entertain, look after and stimulate children. The gantry shown here is fitted with a bed that can be used to swing and rock children.
Bucket for sand castles, decorated with advertising motifs, 1890
Hut in the woods, 1884
The inventor designed a hut that allows one or more children to play together. Huts come in a variety of forms: barns, towers, farmhouses, shops, houses, etc.
War play
The origin of some toys has nothing to do with fun. Toy soldiers were invented to teach the art of war to future soldiers: it was simulation before its time.
Toy soldiers by Charles Rossignol, 1888
A highly creative inventor, he filed a number of patents, including one in 1888 on the assembly of toys by stapling them together using tabs.
Toy pistol, 1872
Normally, this type of toy uses a cork as a projectile at the end of the barrel. The inventors developed a projectile in the shape of a bird or rabbit, simulating hunting.
The casino: for big kids
Invented in Trouville in 1868 by Louis-Gustave Binant from a toy known as "parlour races". In this game, the inventor plans to bring the excitement of the racetrack to life for the whole family. In reality, he invented a completely different game that has gone down in casino history: a roulette game with betting tables.
