Tinplate clockwork toy tricycle made in China in the late 1970s

The tricycle is lithographed tinplate and the mechanism is housed in the body with the key protruding from the left side. It is light turquoise with red, blue, yellow, black and white markings. The underside is gold coloured. On the cycle is the figure of a boy with a soft vinyl head, upper chest of lithographed metal, upper legs of metal and lower legs and feet of white plastic. The head is painted to represent black hair and eyes and a white and red cap. It has the typical Western features favoured at the time. The legs are covered with printed cotton representing trousers. The feet are attached to a bar connected to the mechanism
When wound up the cycle moves on two yellow plastic wheels set under the centre area and connected to the mechanism; there is a third wheel at the front. At the same time the figure's feet go up and down and the bell at the back rings.

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

Though made in China, the tricyclist's head on this toy has Western features. Its feet are attached to a bar connected to the mechanism. When wound up, the tricycle moves on two yellow plastic wheels set under the centre and connected to the mechanism. At the same time the figure's feet go up and down and the bell at the back rings. This toy was probably made for the local Chinese market rather than for export.

B.175-1996