Tinplate clockwork somersaulting plane made in China in the 1970s

The plane is lithographed tinplated mild steel and the mechanism is housed in the body, with the key protruding from the left side. It is red with yellow spots, and blue lettering. The wheels are opaque plastic and the head of the pilot is painted celluloid. When wound up the plane moves on two wheels set under the centre area and connected to the mechanism; there is a balancing wheel at the back. At the same time, a metal lever under the plane comes down, lifts it off the ground and somersaults it, however, the movement should turn the plane completely over but tends to stop once the plane is on its back.

Given by Clio Whittaker

This collection of toys was acquired by the donor while attending Peking University in 1978 and 1979. The majority of the toys were made in China for its own market.

See additional notes, B. 106-1996

This plane is lithographed tinplate with a clockwork mechanism housed inside the body. When wound up the plane moves on two centre wheels connected to the mechanism and a balancing wheel at the back. At the same time, a metal lever under the plane lowers, lifts it off the ground and somersaults it. This toy was made for the Chinese market rather than for export.

B.151-1996