Lithographed tin-plate clockwork frog made in China in the 1970s

The body of the frog is lithographed tiplate and the underside dark yellow plastic. The clockwork mechanism is housed inside and the key hole is on the left side. The frog is dark green with black, blue, white and orange stripes and markings. The eyes are red. The body is mounted on two green metal legs. The lower jaw is hinged and the inside lined with red metal. When wound up the frog would move on two wheels set under the centre area and connected to the mechanism; gradually the legs move to lift the body and the jaw opens. To complete the move, the frog hops, the legs lower again and the jaw snaps shut. A third wheel, used for balancing, is missing.

Given by Clio Whittaker

References: 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 hopping frog toy is lithographed tin plate and plastic. When wound up, the frog moves on two centre wheels, which are connected to an internal clockwork mechanism. The legs gradually move to lift the body while the frog's jaw opens. To complete the movement the frog hops, the legs come back down and the jaw snaps shut. This toy was made in China for the local market rather than for export.

B.108-1996