Not currently on display at the V&A

Spitfire

1940s (manufactured)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

This object was donated to the Museum from part of the Michael Buhler collection of tin toys. Tin toys cover a vast array of subject matters ranging from the space age to domestic objects. This spitfire was made in England by Mettoy, who were one of the main manufacturers producing tin toys, alongside Wells Brimtoy and Chad Valley, producing good quality tin toys during the 1940s and 50s.

The plane is part of a set of three somersaulting planes which have an arm under the fuselage which periodically tips them head over heels as they go along.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Parts
This object consists of 2 parts.

  • Spitfire Body
  • Spitfire Wings
Materials and techniques
Tin
Brief description
Spitfire tin toy, made in England by Mettoy in the 1940s.
Physical description
A clockwork plane which has an arm under the fuselage which periodically tips them head over heels as it goes along. The main body of the plane and its wings are covered in a yellow and green camouflage pattern with three red, white and blue targets on either of the wings and on the body. It has black wheels and a white propeller. The cabin to the drivers seat is clear.
Dimensions
  • Height: 11.5cm
  • Width: 25.6cm
  • Length: 22.9cm
Height is with one of the propeller blades at its highest point.
Production typeMass produced
Credit line
Given by Alexandra Buhler
Object history
This object was donated by Alexandra Buhler from the Michael Buhler collection. Buhler collected a vast array of tin toys and published a book on the subject called 'Tin Toys 1945-1975'. His collection covers a variety of subject matters ranging from space toys to more domestic objects. The collection contains tin toys from around the world including Japan, Europe, India and the USA.
Summary
This object was donated to the Museum from part of the Michael Buhler collection of tin toys. Tin toys cover a vast array of subject matters ranging from the space age to domestic objects. This spitfire was made in England by Mettoy, who were one of the main manufacturers producing tin toys, alongside Wells Brimtoy and Chad Valley, producing good quality tin toys during the 1940s and 50s.

The plane is part of a set of three somersaulting planes which have an arm under the fuselage which periodically tips them head over heels as they go along.
Collection
Accession number
B.100:1, 2-2010

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Record createdSeptember 28, 2010
Record URL
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