Image of Gallery in South Kensington
On display at Young V&A
Play Gallery, Sound it Out, case 17

Beginners Yo-Yo

Yo-Yo
1930s (manufactured)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Yo Yos are first mentioned in Greek historical records about 500BC which makes them one of the earliest recorded toys in the world. They are most famously associated with the Donald Duncan, who bought the trademark of the word 'Yo Yo' in 1932. This is an example of a 'Beginners' Yo Yo.


Object details

Categories
Object type
TitleBeginners Yo-Yo (manufacturer's title)
Materials and techniques
Painted wood, string
Brief description
Yo Yo, wooden, made by Duncan, probably made in the USA, 1930s.
Physical description
Red and Black wooden Yo-Yo, with a red string. It has gold lettering on the red side.
Dimensions
  • Diameter: 5cm
  • Depth: 3.5cm
Production typeMass produced
Marks and inscriptions
'Genuine / Beginners / Yo Yo / Reg U.S. Pat Off. / Duncan'
Object history
Purchased for Must Have Toys Exhibition
Summary
Yo Yos are first mentioned in Greek historical records about 500BC which makes them one of the earliest recorded toys in the world. They are most famously associated with the Donald Duncan, who bought the trademark of the word 'Yo Yo' in 1932. This is an example of a 'Beginners' Yo Yo.
Collection
Accession number
B.65-2004

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Record createdAugust 6, 2008
Record URL
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