Mechanical Beetle
1975-1979 (manufactured)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
This realistic toy beetle has wings, pincers and operates on an internal clockwork mechanism.When wound up, the beetle moves on two centre wheels which are connected to the mechanism. When the toy is in motion the mechanism also operates the beetle's wings, which open and close.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | Lithographed tinplate with clockwork mechanism |
| Brief description | Lithographed tinplate clockwork beetle made in Japan in the 1970s |
| Physical description | The beetle is lithographed tinplate and the mechanism is housed in the body with the key protruding from the left side. It is dark and light blue with black, pink, red and white markings. The underside is gold coloured. At the front protrudes `pinchers' of blue plastic and attached to the back are two clear green plastic wings. When wound up the beetle moves on two wheels set under the centre area and connected to the mechanism. There is a balancing knob at the each end. As the beetle moves, the mechanism also operates the wings and they open and close. |
| Dimensions |
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| Production type | Mass produced |
| Marks and inscriptions | TRADE K MARK with the K in a black oval surrounded by a black line
MADE IN JAPAN |
| Credit line | Given by Clio Whittaker |
| Object history | 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 |
| Summary | This realistic toy beetle has wings, pincers and operates on an internal clockwork mechanism.When wound up, the beetle moves on two centre wheels which are connected to the mechanism. When the toy is in motion the mechanism also operates the beetle's wings, which open and close. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | B.123-1996 |
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| Record created | April 18, 2000 |
| Record URL |
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