c.1972 Chip Art “Sunnie Miss” Toy Toaster

A cheerful early-1970s American toy toaster by Chip Art Company, featuring the iconic Sunnie Miss illustration on a tin lithographed body with a bright green plastic base.

This Sunnie Miss toy toaster was produced by the Chip Art Company in the early 1970s, during a period when colourful tin-and-plastic kitchen toys were especially popular with young children.The toaster features a tin lithographed upper body decorated with the well-known Sunnie Miss character — a blonde girl in a green dress, lying in grass and holding a yellow flower, framed by a daisy border.

The bright green moulded plastic base contrasts strongly with the warm yellow and white tones of the artwork, giving the piece its instantly recognisable 1970s aesthetic.The base is stamped 430A 180 and The Chip Art Company, Bryan, Ohio 43506 USA, confirming American manufacture. The internal spring-loaded toast mechanism remains present, with visible metal components typical of Chip Art’s play kitchen designs.

Condition is good overall for its age. The tin upper shows surface rust and wear to the top, consistent with normal use and storage over time. Graphic sremain clear and legible, and the plastic base retains strong colour with no visible cracks.This piece represents the shift in toy production during the early 1970s toward mixed-material construction and cheerful domestic play themes, making it a desirable example for collectors of vintage American toy kitchenware.

Features

Measurements: 190mm (L) × 110 mm (W) × 140 mm (H)

Condition: Good - working order with surface rust

Markings: 430A 180 and The Chip Art Company, Bryan, Ohio 43506 USA

Date Note: Date is an estimate based on available research and stylistic features. If you have additional information, please contact us to help update our records.

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Made from the following materials

Metal has played a significant role in the history of dolls and toys, with materials like cast iron, tin, and brass being used for centuries to create durable and appealing playthings. Each type of metal has distinct characteristics that have influenced its application in the toy industry, leading to a variety of designs and styles.

Cast Iron

Cast iron was one of the first metals used in toy manufacturing, particularly during the 19th century. Its strength and durability made it ideal for creating toys that could withstand the rigors of play. Cast iron toys were often made using molds, allowing for mass production and the creation of intricate designs. Popular cast iron toys included figurines, toy cars, and trains, many of which featured detailed craftsmanship and decorative paintwork. These toys were not only popular with children but also became collectible items over time, cherished for their historical significance and nostalgic appeal.

Tin

Tin, often used in the form of tinplate, became a favored material for toy manufacturing in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Tin toys were lightweight, affordable, and could be produced in large quantities, making them accessible to a wide audience. Tinplate was often stamped or lithographed with colorful designs, bringing characters and scenes to life. Classic examples of tin toys include wind-up cars, robots, and playful animals, many of which featured moving parts that delighted children. Tin toys remain popular among collectors today, valued for their charm and the artistry involved in their design.

Brass

Brass, an alloy of copper and zinc, has been used in toy making for its attractive appearance and durability. It is particularly well-suited for creating smaller components, such as gears and mechanisms in wind-up toys. The shiny, golden hue of brass gives toys a sense of elegance and sophistication, often seen in decorative pieces and collectibles. While brass dolls are less common than those made from other materials, some artisans have crafted beautiful dolls with brass accents, adding a touch of luxury to their designs.

Throughout history, the use of metal in dolls and toys has allowed for a diverse range of creations, each reflecting the technological advancements and artistic trends of their time. The durability of metal ensures that many of these toys have stood the test of time, allowing them to be enjoyed by new generations of children and collectors alike.

At our museum, we celebrate the legacy of metal dolls and toys, highlighting their role in the evolution of play and the craftsmanship that goes into creating these timeless treasures. From the strength of cast iron to the whimsical designs of tin and the elegance of brass, these materials tell a rich story of creativity and innovation in the world of toys.

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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.

Country:

United States

The history of American toys spans Indigenous cornhusk dolls, the creativity of enslaved communities, and the rise of industrial giants like Mattel and Hasbro. Iconic toys like the teddy bear, Barbie, and GI Joe reflect the country’s diversity and cultural impact on the global stage.

The Chip Art Company was a manufacturer of novelty and plastic toy items best known for producing brightly coloured, child-safe play appliances during the late 20th century. The company is closely associated with the Sunnie Miss range, which included small household-themed toys designed to mirror everyday kitchen items in a playful, simplified form. The Sunnie Miss toy toaster reflects the broader trend of domestic role-play toys that were popular during the 1970s–1980s, encouraging imaginative play through scaled-down versions of familiar objects. Made primarily from moulded plastic, these toys were designed to be lightweight, durable, and visually appealing, often featuring bold colours and simple mechanical or pop-up actions rather than electronics. Within a toy museum context, items manufactured by The Chip Art Company represent an era of affordable, mass-produced playthings that blended practicality with imagination. While not heavily branded in the way of major toy companies, their products are now valued for their nostalgic charm and as examples of everyday childhood play linked to domestic life and mid-to-late 20th-century toy design. Please Note: No verified standalone logo has been identified for The Chip Art Company. Surviving examples indicate the company name was typically presented as plain text on packaging, box panels, or product labels, often alongside the Sunnie Miss branding rather than as a separate corporate emblem. The representative maker’s mark displayed here has been created for interpretive and cataloguing purposes only. It reflects the typography and presentation style commonly used on late 20th-century toy packaging and should not be interpreted as an original or registered logo. This approach aligns with museum best practice when original branding assets are undocumented or unavailable.

Produced by:

The Chip Art Company

Product Code:

T0174

Dimenions:

140(h)

x 110(w)