Whistling yo-yo, Yoyo Distributing Company Ltd., made in England, the 1930s

Metal yo-yo coloured in bands of red and black, curved lines interspaced with thin white lines. On one side there are four holes and on the reverse side two holes. It was the original string.

Given by Mr. Christopher Ford

Given by Mr. Christopher Ford [85/1426]. On entry to the museum its condition was noted as 'good'.

The yo-yo has been used as a toy, weapon and stress reliever. The toy yo-yo has been around for thousands years. Yo-yos were used a wepaons in the Philippines during the 1500s. Hunters would set in trees and attack animals using a rock on the end of a string. This weapon could be used over and over gain. The rock developed into a carved piece of wood and yo-yoing became the national pastime. In Europe in the 1700s, particularly in France and England, yo-yoing became popular among the aristocracy as a game, but also as a way of keeeping calm and relaxed.

The yo-yo is said to have originated in ancient Greece. This toy has experienced several waves of popularity over the years. It was very popular in the 18th century and later in the 1930s, 1950s and 1990s. This example from the 1930s is a variation on the basic design and makes a whistling sound as it goes up and down.

MISC.75-1991