Pull along riding toy ladybird made by Steiff in Germany, 1968 - ca.1975

Red, black and blue mohair mounted on a steel frame and four plastic wheels. The head is black plush with three white spots. The eyes are large black plastic beads.The upper half of the body is red with black spots patterned over it and two white areas at the neck. The underbody is blue. The metal frame is painted black and shaped to form wings at the sides and antennae at the front, these act as the foot rests. The frame continues with one piece over the top of the body to form a hand grip. The wheels are red plastic with hard white plastic tyres. The body is attached to the frame in four places with heavy twine. Attached to the front of the frame is a red and white twisted cord with a wooden bar handle, painted red.

Given by R. S. Chalmers

Given in 1980 [80/409]. The toy was used by the donor's children, Simon and Lucy Chalmers.

On entry to the Museum it was noted: 'slight wear on back, paint scuffed, cord dirty'

This is a magnificent pull along riding toy made by Steiff of Germany, perhaps best known for their teddy bears. In the 1960s it was still unusual for a child to have such a beautiful toy, mainly because of its expense. Metal pull along and riding toys were particularly popular at this time in the United Kingdom.

MISC.41-1980