Book of Penny Toys

Penny Toys were literally that - small toys sold at a retail price of one penny, principally in the years between 1895 and 1914. Usually they measured no more than 10cm overall (and often much less) and were made of a variety of materials, including paper, plaster, wood, diecast lead alloy and tinplate. The vast majority of tinplate penny toys were made in and around Nuremberg and were widely exported. Some were made for particular markets, so that we may find London omnibuses and ambulances, French postal delivery vans, and American locomotives. While several of the larger manufacturers such as Distler made Penny Toys, the most important single manufacturer was J P Meier of Nuremberg. Penny Toys were widely sold in shops and arcades, and also by street vendors. Wholesalers sold penny toys in gross lots for eight shillings per lot, or 96 old pence. Thus street traders were able to make a 50 per cent profit by selling the toys for a penny each.