1977 Tomy Wind-Up Baby with Blue Pants – Made in Taiwan

A 1977 Tomy wind-up baby toy featuring a cute chubby-cheeked infant in blue pants, produced in Taiwan during the peak of Tomy’s mechanical toy era.

This adorable Tomy wind-up baby wasproduced in 1977 by Tomy Co., Ltd., a Japanese toy company known for its innovative mechanical designs. During the late 1970s, Tomy outsourced part of its production to Taiwan to meet global demand, maintaining the same high standards of detail and movement.

The toy features a rounded baby with sculpted features, large expressive eyes,and a single blond curl. The baby wears moulded blue pants and includes a side wind-up key that, when turned, sets the figure walking or wobbling forward. The toy’s smooth pastel colouring and gentle design reflect the “cute culture” aesthetic that dominated Japanese toy exports in the 1970s and early 1980s.

The back of the figure is embossed © 1977 TOMY TAIWAN, confirming its manufacturing origin and date. Tomy produced several variations of this design, including crawling and walking babies, which were marketed internationally under both the Tomy and Tomy-QA (Quality Assurance) lines.

Features –

Measurements: 70 mm high x 40 mm wide x 50 mm deep
Condition: Excellent – minimal wear, wind-up mechanism functions correctly
Markings: “© 1977 TOMY TAIWAN” (Note: not 1983; confirmed as 1977 from stamp)

Date Note: Circa 1977; manufactured by Tomy Co., Ltd. in Taiwan for the export market.

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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.