An extraordinary pair of antique wooden spinning tops, combining the simple charm of an early twentieth century toy with wonderfully unexpected hand carved detail.
These two little wooden tops are far more than charming antique toys. One retains a beautifully weathered apple green and white polka dot painted finish, while the other has been transformed into something wonderfully unexpected: its stem is hand carved and painted as the head of a gentleman wearing a bowler hat.
It is this tiny carved figure that makes the pair so captivating. What would ordinarily be a simple wooden childhood toy becomes a miniature character in its own right, with the carved face, hat and painted details giving the gentleman an extraordinary amount of personality for such a small object.
Dating from approximately 1910 to 1920, the pair offers a fascinating glimpse into early twentieth century childhood and the simple wooden toys of the period. Their individual decoration and beautifully aged surfaces give them a character that would be almost impossible to reproduce today.
The companion top is equally appealing for its wonderful apple green colour and time worn finish. The aged patina across both pieces adds to their sense of history, while their small scale makes them particularly easy to display.
These are pieces to enjoy visually rather than hide away in a toy box. Displayed together on a shelf, amongst antique books or alongside other curious objects, they have a wonderfully eccentric quality that makes them instantly memorable.
A truly unusual pair of early twentieth century wooden toys, with an unexpected little character at their heart.
Details
• Pair of antique wooden spinning tops
• Dating from approximately 1910–1920
• Early twentieth century / Edwardian period
• One with weathered apple green and white polka dot painted finish
• One with hand carved gentleman’s head
• Gentleman wearing a bowler hat
• Hand painted and carved details
• Beautifully aged patina
• Original antique pieces
Dimensions
Gentleman spinning top:
Height: 7 cm
Diameter: 4 cm
Plain with polka dots:
Height: 5.5 cm
Diameter: 3.5 cm
Condition
Good antique condition with expected signs of age, use and handling. Both tops have beautifully developed patina and surface wear consistent with their age, adding to their character and appeal.
Please study the photographs carefully as they form part of the description.
UK orders are carefully packed and sent by Royal Mail Tracked 48, with tracking provided so you can follow your parcel from dispatch to delivery.
All orders are carefully packed in Surrey to help ensure your purchase arrives safely.
