1970s Tomy “Mother Goose” Wind-Up Toy – Made in Taiwan

A 1970s Tomy wind-up “Mother Goose” toy in pastel blue dress and pink bonnet, complete with rear basket, produced in Taiwan for Tomy Japan.

This charming wind-up “Mother Goose” toywas produced during the 1970s–early 1980s by Tomy Co., Ltd., aleading Japanese toy manufacturer known for its mechanical novelty designs.Marked “Made in Taiwan”, this piece reflects the period when Tomy beganoverseas production of its small wind-up toys, maintaining high design qualitywhile improving affordability.

The toy depicts a stylised Mother Goose or goose character, wearing a bluedress, pink bonnet, and carrying a brown basket. Constructed from durable injection-mouldedplastic, it features the signature Tomy pastel colour palette often used intheir 1970s “Nursery” series.

When wound using the side key, the figure waddles forward with a gentle bobbingmotion, reminiscent of Tomy’s popular animal walkers of the same era. Theunderside is stamped “Tomy / Made in Taiwan”, confirming authenticity.

This particular model is part of Tomy’s international export line, distributedwidely across the UK, Australia, and North America, making it a nostalgiccollectible from the brand’s golden era of mechanical toy innovation.

Features –

Measurements: 120 mm high x 70 mm long x 60 mm wide
Condition: Excellent – bright colours, minimal wear, mechanismfunctional
Markings: “Tomy / Made in Taiwan”

Date Note: Circa mid-to-late 1970s; typical of Tomy’s transition-era toys between Japanese and Taiwanese manufacturing.

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Made from the following materials

Hard plastic dolls and toys emerged as a significant innovation in the toy industry during the mid-20th century, revolutionizing the way dolls were designed and manufactured. Hard plastic is a type of thermoplastic, characterized by its durability, lightweight nature, and resistance to breakage. This material became popular for creating dolls, action figures, and various toys due to its versatility and ability to hold intricate details and vibrant colors.

The development of hard plastic allowed for the mass production of toys that were not only affordable but also more resilient than earlier materials like composition or porcelain. As a result, manufacturers were able to produce a wide variety of designs, from classic baby dolls to trendy fashion figures, each with detailed facial features and movable limbs. This material also enabled the incorporation of new techniques, such as molded hair and painted eyes, which enhanced the realism and appeal of the dolls.

Among the earliest forms of hard plastic used in toy manufacturing was **Bakelite**, created in the early 1900s by Belgian chemist Leo Baekeland. Bakelite is one of the first synthetic plastics, made from phenol and formaldehyde. Its properties, including heat resistance and electrical insulation, made it ideal for various applications, including toys. While Bakelite itself is not commonly used in doll-making today, its introduction paved the way for the development of modern plastics in the toy industry.

**Catalin** is another early form of hard plastic that emerged in the 1930s and was often used for creating vibrant toys and dolls. Like Bakelite, Catalin is a thermosetting plastic known for its durability and ability to hold color well. Catalin toys often featured bright, translucent colors and intricate designs, capturing the imaginations of children and collectors alike.

As hard plastic became the standard for many types of dolls and toys, it solidified its place in the industry, leading to the creation of iconic brands and beloved characters. Today, hard plastic dolls and toys continue to be popular, appreciated for their longevity and the nostalgia they evoke. Collectors value vintage hard plastic toys for their craftsmanship and the unique place they hold in the history of toy making.

At our museum, we celebrate the legacy of hard plastic dolls and toys, highlighting their role in shaping the modern toy industry and their enduring appeal across generations.