Wind-Up Green Caterpillar #3938 – Made in China Plastic Toy
Bright green wind-up plastic caterpillar toy. A cheerful vintage novelty nature toy with gentle crawling motion
This delightful wind-up caterpillar toy, model No. 3938, features a segmented green plastic body with printed round markings and a smiling face adorned with yellow antennae. The side-mounted wind-up key is intact, and the internal mechanism works smoothly, enabling the toy to crawl forward when wound. The piece is unbranded but clearly manufactured in China, likely in the late 1990s to early 2000s, based on the plastic style, type, and “Made in China” labeling conventions.
- Maker: Unknown / Unmarked (common with generic wind-up plastic toys)
- Date: Estimated late 1990s – early 2000s
- Materials: Bright green ABS or similar hard-plastic body, plastic wind-up key
- Dimensions: ~90 mm (length) × 40 mm (width) × 40 mm (height)
- Condition: Excellent; all segments intact, mechanism functional, minimal surface wear
- Markings: Made in China, No 3938
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.
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.
Additional Product Images
Related Dolls and Toys from our collection
