Saturday 29 August 2020

Tiny Toy Dolls' House Furniture

I was recently lucky enough to buy a piece of Tiny Toy furniture in its original box which also contained this little Tiny Toy leaflet/price list:


Pre-1937 Tiny Toy Leaflet/Price List - Front
Photo © Zoe Handy

So, with the help of some good friends and fellow-collectors, I'm now on a mission to find as many examples of the pieces of furniture from the price list as possible. This blog post records the pieces we've discovered so far, but I need your help too!

IF ANYONE HAS ANY OF THE PIECES OF TINY TOY MISSING FROM THIS BLOG POST,

OR CAN ADD TO OR CORRECT THIS POST,

I WOULD LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU! ❤️

***PLEASE CONTACT ME***

Either by leaving a comment below

or via the Contact Form on the right hand side of this page. 

Many thanks!

How This Blog Post is Organised


These are the headings for each section of this blog post and you can jump directly to the sections by clicking on any of these links:

A Bit of Background about Tiny Toy


The English company Tiny Toy - not to be confused with the US company Tynietoy - made dolls' house furniture in the 1930s and 40s.

Unfortunately, because the company doesn't appear to have advertised in any of the usual publications, nor retailed in the usual outlets, information about it and the furniture and accessories it produced is difficult to find.

Luckily, back in 2004 and 2005, the wonderful dolls' house detective Marion Oborne had access to various boxed Tiny Toy items and a number of leaflets like mine but from different years, and wrote three articles for Dolls House World magazine about the company. Since then, Marion has maintained an interest in Tiny Toy and has collected various pieces by them, photos of which she has very generously shared with me for this post.

Exact dates of trading are not known, however, in a Dolls' House World article (Issue 145, October 2004) Marion tells us that one of the earliest leaflets she has "states that over 550,000 Tiny Toys have been sold in two years and that The Little Library was the Tiny Toy Society's choice 1932, whilst the Duckie set was the choice of 1933", from which we can surmise that the company probably began trading in 1932.

The price list which came with my piece of furniture is undated, however, it can be dated with certainty to pre-1937 because of the address and telephone number given on it.  The historical telephone directory records I searched online showed "Tiny Toys, Toy Mkrs" listed at 69 St Johns Street from 1934 to 1939 and then at 61 St Johns Street from 1942 to 1947 and, even more usefully, the telephone number changed from Clerkenwell 9632 in 1934 and 1935 to Clerkenwell 7301 from 1937 on. Since the address and telephone number on my leaflet are given as 69, St. John Street (which should actually be St. Johns Street with an 's') and Clerkenwell 9632, we can see that it must be pre-1937. 

I'm told that Tiny Toy has actually been found listed in historical telephone directory records at three different addresses in EC1 from 1933 to 1947 (when it is believed to have ceased trading), however I only found them at 69 St Johns Street in the 1935-39 directories and at 61 St Johns Street in the 1942, 1945 and 1947 directories - though this is not to say that there weren't other entries which I didn't find.

So What Did Tiny Toy Produce?


Unfortunately, the photos printed on the front and back of my list are rather dark and indistinct, however, given the lack of alternative information available about the company, they are still enormously helpful.

This is the price list of items produced at the time my leaflet was printed:

 Pre-1937 Tiny Toy Leaflet/Price List - Inside
Photo © Zoe Handy

How nice that the price list was organised by price so that children would know immediately what they could afford with their pocket money!

A Note on Scale and the Term "Duckie"


Several of the items on the price list are referred to as "Duckie" which, according to Marion Osborne*, refers to "a range that is slightly smaller than the usual one". Unfortunately, we don't know for sure what the scale of either of those ranges was.

Margaret Towner does mention in her book, 'Doll's House Furniture' (1993), that Tiny Toy made its furniture "in two sizes, 1:16 and the 1:24 Duckie size”, and, though her source for this information is not stated, it does seem to fit the sizes of the known and suspected Tiny Toy pieces I've come across.

[*In an Article on Tiny Toy's gas cooker in Dolls' House World magazine (issue 146, November 2004).]

References to "Duckie" in the leaflet are as follows:
  • Duckie Sets - 1/3*
  • Duckie Wardrobe - 1/3
  • Sideboard Duckie - 1/3
  • Duckie Grate - 6/1/2d
  • Dolly Duckie Safe - 6d
  • Screens "Duckie" - 6d
  • Duckie Library, Books Open, 21 Volumes - 1/9 (illustration)

*Duckie Sets - Apart from the bathroom set (see 'Bathroom' below), we don't yet know what the "Duckie Sets" comprised of. Priced at 1/3, however, we do know that they were a lot cheaper than the "Sets of Furniture in Boxes" advertised along the bottom of the price list:



I've included under "Settees", photos of settees and armchairs which, due to their diminutive size, I imagine must have been part of a Duckie Set.

So it's clear there are at least two sizes/scales for Tiny Toy furniture - the standard size (possibly 1:16) and the smaller size "Duckie" (possibly 1:24).


Please do bear with me as a lot of this is guesswork because Tiny Toy didn't, as a rule, put a maker's mark on its pieces. So, unless the pieces are boxed, we can only make educated guesses and where this is the case, I have tried to state the assumptions behind those guesses - some will be right and some will be wrong!

I have added a lot to this blog since I first posted it as I have spotted and/or acquired more Tiny Toy pieces and since kind people have shared photos of their Tiny Toy pieces with me. I will, of course, keep adding to this blog post as and when we find more, which we surely will!

Kitchen


Dutch Dresser Set 2/- and Old Dutch Dresser 1/-


Could this be the Tiny Toy Dutch Dresser?
Photo © Zoe Handy

A Dutch dresser will typically have a curved/arched top to it. I have this Dutch dresser which does have a look of Tiny Toy (the bare plywood and the handle shapes) - could this be it? Or does anyone own an alternative they believe to be Tiny Toy?

I wonder what other items were included in the two shilling 'Dutch Dresser Set".

Kitchenette, 1/6


Tiny Toy Kitchenette
Two different types of drawer handles.
Photo © Claire Quick

We know these are examples of the Kitchenette because of a photograph of a Tiny Toy leaflet in 'International Dolls; House News' Volume 22, no. 2, Summer 1993, which features a photo of the piece with the caption "Kitchenette" under it in the leaflet.

One of the Kitchenettes in the photo above is marked with a price of 2/- which is more expensive than the price shown in my list - perhaps it is a later piece and prices had gone up by the time it was sold.

And here are two more examples of this piece:

Tiny Toy Kitchenette
Photo © Marion Osborne

Kitchen Cupboard, 1/-


This lovely piece could well be the "Kitchen Cupboard":


Tiny Toy Kitchen Cupboard?
(H 10.5 cm x W 8 cm)
Photo © Claire Quick

Tiny Toy "Kitchen Cupboard"?
Photo © Claire Quick

The wood and style of construction both conform to known Tiny Toy examples. If anyone has any information to confirm or contradict this guesswork, it would be most welcome.

Kitchen Table and Chairs


It's possible that the table and chairs constituted the 'Kitchen Set' mentioned in the 1/- section of my price list, however, this is pure conjecture based only on the fact that, while all the other kitchen items are mentioned, there is no mention of either a kitchen table or kitchen chairs in the list. That said,  a "Scullery Table" is mentioned in the 1/- section and it would seem odd for a kitchen table plus chairs to retail for the same price as a scullery table on its own.

Tiny Toy Kitchen Table and Chairs
Photo © Marion Osborne

Close Up of Tiny Toy Kitchen Table
Photo © Marion Osborne

The kitchen table and chairs in the photos above are believed by Marion to be by Tiny Toy.

Kitchen Sinks 6 1/2d


The sinks shown below are all believed to have been made by Tiny Toy:

Tiny Toy Kitchen Sinks
Photo © Marion Osborne

Tiny Toy Kitchen Sinks
Photo © Claire Quick

Refrigerator with Viands & Ice 1/-


This set isn't listed in the price list, however, is is shown on the front of the leaflet:

Tiny Toy Refrigerator
Photo © Zoe Handy

Tiny Toy Refrigerators
Two different types of door handles.
© Claire Quick

Tiny Toy Refrigerators - Interiors (Contents not Original)
Photo © Claire Quick

The handle on the door of my own Tiny Toy Fridge is different again:

The Little Larder 6d


‘The Little Larder’ by Tiny Toy
Photo © Zoe

This lovely piece is 6.2 cm high by 6.2 cm wide and 4.7 cm deep. Other than the label seen here on the original box, there are no markings on either the box or the larder. 

Gas Cooker 1/-


Sadly, the illustration of the gas cooker on the back of the leaflet is very indistinct: 

A Tiny Toy Gas Cooker Shown
Shown on the back of the Tiny Toy Leaflet.
Photo © Zoe Handy

Luckily, however, Marion Osborne wrote an article specifically about Tiny Toy gas cookers - 'Cooking on Gas' - in issue 146 of Dolls' House World magazine, November 2004. In that article, she shows a gas cooker with its original box. The wooden body of the cooker is painted a mottled/stippled blue and the plate rack and hob are made of metal, as is a metal rail along the front (towel rail?), all of which appear to be made from sturdy metal wire/rod.

Tiny Toy Gas Cooker - Wood and Metal
Photo © Jenny

Marion Osborne also discusses a cooker like the one above in her article and a photo of a boxed example of an identical one in the book, 'Dolls' Houses' by Olivia Bristol and Leslie Geddes-Brown (page 146), 1997, confirms that it is indeed Tiny Toy.

Marion also mentions that someone had recently sent her a photo of another example which was like the cooker in the photo above but with a metal base, nailed to the wooden oven part.

I am also aware of the two cookers shown in the photo below which are made entirely of wood but otherwise are very like the one in the previous photo.

Tiny Toy Gas Cookers - All Wooden
Left with rectangular door handle and right with round door handle.
Photo © Claire Quick

Four Different Gas Cookers - All Believed to be Tiny Toy
Photo © Marion Osborne

And another version believed to be Tiny Toy
Photo © Claire Quick

So in all, there would seem to be quite a few variations on the cooker. Perhaps the metal pieces proved too expensive to make or source* and the company gradually replaced them with wood - only more boxed pieces or pictorial evidence will tell!

*There are some similarities between the some the Tiny Toy cooker metal parts and other non-Tiny Toy cooker parts, so maybe the cookers were originally bought in or parts of them were?

Cutlery Box 6d


Tiny Toy Cutlery Box
Photo © Claire Quick

My friend Claire had singled out the above cutlery box as likely to be Tiny Toy well before I came across this boxed example:

Tiny Toy Cutlery Box
Photo © Zoe Handy

The price of 6d is marked in pencil on the base of the cutlery box as well as the box it came in.

It would appear that the cutlery box was sold separately to its intended contents because "Cutlery & Napery" appears in the same section of the price list and "Cutlery Set" appears in the 2d section - see below for both.

I now also have photos of a third cutlery box, complete with cutlery, which Celia Thomas of KT Miniatures has kindly allowed me to share:





This cutlery box has a price of 9d marked on the base, which is rather a hike in price from 6d on my own piece, so perhaps in this instance the box was sold complete with cutlery. The box and cutlery are priced at 6d and 2d respectively in my price list, which combined would be nearer to 9d, with the 1d difference perhaps relating to a price increase on one of the items somewhere along the line - all supposition of course.

I believe that the metal knives, forks and spoons seen in both my tray and Celia's (and in the cutlery stand shown below) are identical to those sold by Taylor & Barrett, so presumably that maker produced it for Tiny Toy.

Cutlery and Napery 6d

Tiny Toy Cutlery & Napery with Original Box
Photo © Rachel Hook

I spotted this boxed Cutlery & Napery set on eBay and the seller's photo [cropped and enlarged] is shown here with kind permission. Since there are three knives and only two each of the forks and spoons, plus only one of the"Serviettes" in the box, I think it's safe to assume that there are a few pieces missing.

Again, I believe that the metal knives, forks and spoons seen in this set are identical to those sold by Taylor & Barrett, so presumably that maker produced it for Tiny Toy.

Cutlery Stand

Not mentioned in my price list and there is no price marked on the piece.




Celia Thomas of KT Miniatures has kindly allowed me to use these photos of a cutlery table complete with cutlery, which doesn't appear in my leaflet. Celia tells me that she has handled this cutlery table before but without cutlery and at that time she didn't know the maker or anything about it. However, this cutlery stand came with a Tiny Toy drinks cabinet and cutlery box, so she was able to compare. The green textured lining and fabric hinge on both the cutlery table and drinks cabinet were identical, so too the wood and varnish colour. Also, the cutlery in the cutlery box [shown on Celia's site at the same time as this stand and shown under 'Cutlery Box' above] is the same as the cutlery on the cutlery table, so there seems little doubt that this was also made by Tiny Toy.

Tiny Toy Cutlery Stand
Photo © Claire Quick

Tiny Toy Cutlery Stand
Photo © Claire Quick

And here is the same cutlery stand with a dark stain finish. It also appears to varnished. This stand has a price of 1/6 written in pencil on the base. The price appears to be on top of the varnish, so it would seem to be the original finish.

Q. A. Tea Set (Queen Anne Tea Set) 9d


Tiny Toy Queen Anne Tea Set
(Made by Taylor & Barrett)
Photo © Claire Quick

In addition to the boxed tea set shown above, I have seen a photo of another which was sold on eBay and the printing on its box read: "Tiny Toy Series. No. 11. Rustless Chromo Alloy. Entirely British Made." We know this tea set was made by Taylor & Barrett and only sold to wholesalers and Bartons*, so Tiny Toy presumably bought it from a wholesaler.

The boxed tea set seen on eBay only included one cup and saucer but also included a darkish brown wooden tray with dark green marbled paper(?) lining and a knife, fork, dessert spoon and teaspoon, all of which may or may not have constituted the original the set, though I very much doubt that there would only have been one cup and saucer.

The German company F W Gerlach made the same tea set. If anyone happens to know, I'd love to learn what the connection was between Gerlach and Taylor & Barrett which resulted in them both producing the same tea set, because Taylor & Barrett definitely owned the moulds for the ones it made*.

*Source: 'Bartons "Model Homes"' by Marion Osborne. NB: Marion also tells us that Bartons sold the metal version made by Taylor & Barrett from before WWII up until the mid 60s when it was superseded by a plastic version made from a Hong Kong mould.

Kitchen Utensils 2d


Could this be a Tiny Toy rolling pin? I'm inclined to think so because the handles match the door handles on other known Tiny Toy pieces:

Tiny Toy Rolling Pin?
Photo © Claire Quick

Trays


Not mentioned in my price list, but with the familiar Tiny Toy finish.

There appear to be three sizes of tray. Since these three trays came to the present owner together, they might well have been sold together as a 'nest of trays' but they could also have been sold individually.

Tiny Toy Tray in Three Sizes
Photo © Claire Quick

The sizes of the above trays are as follows:

Large: 7.5 cm x 5 cm
Medium: 6.5 cm x 4.5 cm
Small: 6 cm x 3.5 cm

The scale of the largest tray equates to an enormous real-life 3' x 2' in 1:12 scale and nearer to 4' in 1:16 scale - far to wide for anyone to pick up except Stretch Armstrong [toy from my youth - look it up!]

Large Tiny Toy Tray - Pink and Gold
Photo © Jenny

Bread Platter with Knife and Loaf 3d


The lovely piece in the photo below, which fits the description, looks like Tiny Toy and seems to be of the right age, could well be the Tiny Toy piece, however, without an original box or other evidence, we are going purely on gut instinct here:



Tiny Toy Bread Platter with Knife and Loaf?
Photo © Claire Quick

Cheese Dish Set 6d


>
Tiny Toy Cheese Dish Set - (Missing One Cheese)
Photo © Marion Osborne

Tiny Toy Cheese Dish Set - Original Box
Photo © Marion Osborne

Tiny Toy Cheese Dish Set - One of the Cheeses and the Knife
Photo © Marion Osborne

Unfortunately, the set is missing one of the cheeses (but as Marion said to me, we can't expect miracles!) - I presume the red one is "Dutch" as in Edam and that it's the Gruyere which is missing.

The box states the set is made of "the New Rustless Alloy".

Tea Table Delights 6d


Tiny Toy 'Tea Table Delights' in Original Box
Photo © Marion Osborne

Tiny Toy 'Tea Table Delights'
Photo © Marion Osborne

Fruits of the Season, 6d


Bottom Two Items - Tiny Toy Fruits of the Season?
Photo © Claire Quick

The items in the photo above came to the present owner inside a Tiny Toy fridge. The tart in the top left of the photo can be identified as one of the "Tea Table Delights" shown above and, it's therefore possible that the other pieces are Tiny Toy too. So, the two pieces of fruit in the foreground may be part of the "Fruits of the Season" set listed in the price list - guesswork for now but maybe we will find more evidence before too long.....

Bowls of fruit are not mentioned in my price list, however, it's thought that the following could be by Tiny Toy:

Tiny Toy Fruit Bowl (Right) and Possible Tiny Toy Fruit Bowl (Left)
Photo © Marion Osborne

Certainly the right-hand bowl has the distinctive Tiny Toy red and gold decoration [see photo below], and the similar arrangement of fruit in the left-hand bowls suggests that it might also be from the same maker.

Probably Tiny Toy Bowls of Fruit - the bases of the two bowls shown above.
Photo © Marion Osborne

I believe that the two bowls of fruit in the photo below also have the same arrangement of fruit in them as the 'possibly Tiny Toy' one in the previous two photos and...

Possibly Tiny Toy Bowls of Fruit?
Photo © Marion Osborne

...as can be seen here, they also have gold decoration on them, though it is applied in a slightly closer and more uniform way than is typically seen on Tiny Toy pieces. 

Laundry


Clothes Horse, 6d


Tiny Toy Clothes Horse
(H 6.6 cm x L 15.3 cm)
Photo © Zoe Handy

This came in its original box, together with the Tiny Toy leaflet upon which I have based this blog post:

Original Tiny Toy Box
Photo © Zoe Handy

Tiny Toy Clothes Horse in Original Box with Original Leaflet
Photo © Zoe Handy

And this is another boxed example of the clothes horse, with a differently labelled box:

Tiny Toy Clothes Horse with Original Box
Photo © Marion Osborne

Original Box for Tiny Toy Clothes Horse
Photo © Marion Osborne

Ironing Board


This ironing board came in a job lot of Tiny Toy items and, since it is of the same type of plywood commonly used for Tiny Toy items, I could well be part of the range:


Tiny Toy Ironing Board?
Photo © Claire Quick
(H 6 cm x L 7 cm)

An ironing board isn't mentioned on the price list either, however, such a common household item would surely have been produced - perhaps it was part of the "Kitchen Set" mentioned in the 1/- section.

Cleaning


Vacuum Cleaner


Taylor & Barrett Vacuum Cleaners
Sold by Tiny Toy
Photo © Marion Osborne

Vacuum cleaner is not mentioned in my price list/leaflet, however, Marion Osborne has seen a boxed example of a vacuum cleaner sold by Tiny Toy and tells me that it was the one made Taylor and Barrett, examples of which are shown in the photo above.

Stand (3 Brooms), 1/-


The Tiny Toy 'Stand (3 Brooms)?
Photo © Claire Quick

This stand with three brooms certainly has the Tiny Toy look. Also, it is the same as another stand which came with a number of known Tiny Toy items and it has 1/- price marked on it in pencil which matches my price list I have.

Household Steps, 6d


I'm not sure if these fit in the 'Cleaning' section or not, but they are useful for cleaning!

Tiny Toy "Household Steps"
(H 9 cm x W 3.5 cm)
Photo © Claire Quick

My friend Claire had singled out the above set of household steps as likely to be Tiny Toy well before came across this boxed example:

Tiny Toy "Household Steps"
Photo © Zoe Handy

Tiny Toy "Household Steps"
Photo © Zoe Handy


Bathroom


Duckie Set Bathroom, 1/3


I have received this photo of a bathroom set which is believed to be Tiny Toy:

Tiny Toy "Duckie" Bathroom Set
Photo © Marion Osborne

Judging by the two-pence coin in the photo, this set is very small scale and therefore likely to be a "Duckie" set.

I now realise that the little toilet (or "Usual Office, as Tiny Toy would have it!) which came in my Triang Princess 2 dolls' house is the same as the one in Marion's photo:

Tiny Toy "Duckie" Toilet or "Usual Office"
Photo © Zoe Handy

And indeed, my toilet (which I wickedly overpainted because it was extremely shabby) is marked 1/3 - the price of the Duckie Sets. I'm not certain, but the other markings might say "4 pc" which would make sense.

Modern Bath, 1/-


Tiny Toy Bath and Sink
Photo © Zoe Handy

There is a photo of the 'Modern Bath' in an article by Marion Osborne in Dolls' House World, Issue 145, October 2004 and a boxed example was shown in an article on Tiny Toy in International Dolls' House News, Volume 22, No. 3, Autumn 1993. I have now acquired one of my own and am pleased to be able to share a photo of it here.

The box shown in the 1993 magazine article has the following printed on the lid: "The "Modern" Bath. Up-to-date design. Fitted with "Chromo" Tap (Rustless) and Waste. White Porcelain Finish." The "white porcelain finish" is represented by a gloss paint which was probably white when new but is now cream on mine.

The bath is made from a solid block of wood with very square corners and is quite long (14.5 cm or 5 3/4 inches) and narrow (4.3 cm or 1 5/8 inches).

Tiny Toy Bath - Tap Details
Photo © Zoe Handy

The bath taps are described by Marion as each being "made from a split pin, with a piece of metal through the loop to make the turning part of the tap, plus a small tack between to pull the plug up, which was very modern for the 1930s" and there is also "a rivet in the bath, to represent the plug hole".

The price is marked on the base of my bath in the pencil and is 1/-, which matches the price given in my leaflet/price list.

Bath Mat, 1/d


Tiny Toy Cork Bath Mat
Photo © Marion Osborne

Easy enough to identify!

Bathroom Sink


Tiny Toy Sinks. Left-hand sink missing taps.
Photo © Zoe Handy

The cream sink shown in the photo above came with the my 'Modern Bath' and has all the hallmarks of Tiny Toy.

In addition to the paint matching that on the bath very well, there are also similarities between it and other Tiny Toy sinks, like the blue one pictured with it above, which has the same taps as a number of the Tiny Toy kitchen sinks.

Tiny Toy "Modern" Bath and Sink
Photo © Clare Harlow 

I have also seen the same sink displayed with the "Modern" Bath in a different dolls' house (photo above).

The bathroom sink isn't listed separately in my Tiny Toy leaflet, so it's possible that it was only supplied as part of a bathroom set, or perhaps it was only added to the range later - if any one has any information either way, it would be very gratefully received.

Bathroom Chair


Tiny Toy Bathroom Chair
Photo © Zoe Handy

A bathroom chair isn't mentioned in my price list, however this chair is the one seen in the photo with the Tiny Toy bath and sink above in the photo above and is exactly the same shape and construction as the dark-stained one shown in the photo of 'Office Furniture' in my Tiny Toy leaflet. Perhaps it was only available as part of a Bathroom Set or at a later date.

Towel Rail and Towels, 6d


Tiny Toy Towel Rail and Towels
Photo © Marion Osborne

The Tiny Toy Towels from Towel Rail and Towels Set
Photo © Marion Osborne


Also easy enough to identify, at least if you have towels it is!

Tiny Toy Towel Rail
Photo © Zoe Handy

And this is another example of the towel rail, without towels, from my own collection.

Toilet Fixture, 4 1/2d and Toilet Roll, 1d

Tiny Toy "Toilet Fixture"
Photo © Rachel Hook

I Spotted this boxed example of the Tiny Toy toilet roll and holder on eBay and the seller's photo [cropped and enlarged] it is shown here with kind permission. It's referred to in the price list and on the box as a "Toilet Fixture".

Tiny Toy Toilet Holder and Toilet Roll
Photo © Zoe Handy

I have a unboxed example of an identical one. Interestingly, the wire which holds the toilet roll in the boxed example illustrated in Marion Osborne's magazine article in Dolls' House World (Issue 156, September 2005) is in the middle of the backplate, whereas it's at the bottom (or top - I don't know which way up they should go!) on the boxed example above and my own unboxed example.

The one in Marion's article is also described on the box as "The Little Toilet Roll Fixture with Little Rolls" and, as well as toilet roll on the fixture itself, it appears to have included three spare rolls. 

In my price list the toilet roll holder on its own is referred to as a "Toilet Fixture" and "Toilet Rolls' are listed separately in the 1d section of my price list.

Possible Tiny Toy Toilet Holder and Toilet Roll
Photo © Claire

Though this second toilet roll holder is 'enamelled' and the hole to fix it to the wall through is central (like the boxed example in Marion's article), there are sufficient similarities to my own version to make it likely to be Tiny Toy, but if anyone knows different,  I would love to hear from them.

Added 6.8.23

Copyright of an eBay seller, shown with kind permission.

Another kind eBay seller has given me permission to show this photo of the 'Toilet Fixture with Little Rolls' with its original box which is more colourful than the one shown above.

Usual Office, 6d


Photo of Illustration from a 1930s Tiny Toy Leaflet
Photo © Zoe Handy

The International Dolls' House News article on Tiny Toy from Autumn 1993 shows illustrations from a 1930s Tiny Toy leaflet, including the "Usual Office" which was then a common euphemism for a toilet.

Tiny Toy 'Usual Office'
Photo © Zoe Handy

Tiny Toy 'Usual Office'?
Photo © Zoe Handy

This toilet came to me with the Tiny Toy toilet roll holder. There are no markings on it but it certainly looks like the one illustrated in the Tiny Toy leaflet.

Tiny Cupboard, 6d


Tiny Toy Cupboard
Photo © Zoe Handy

This little cupboard also came to me with the Tiny Toy toilet roll holder and toilet, and I believe it is the same as the one illustrated in the Tiny Tiny Toy leaflet shown in the 1993 International Dolls' House News Tiny Toy article:


Also, I've spotted this same cupboard in a photograph in the December 1999/January 2000 issue of International Dolls' House News alongside what looks like the Tiny Toy 'Modern Bath' shown above.

Bath Stools, 4 1/2d


Possibly Tiny Toy Bath Stools or Linen Baskets
Photo © Marion Osborne

The bath stools or possibly linens baskets in the photo above are made from solid block of wood and it's thought that they could be part of the Tiny Toy bathroom range.

Living Room

Three-Piece Leather Suite, 2/-


This isn't listed in the price list, however, is is shown on the front of the leaflet.

Tiny Toy 3-Piece Leather Suite
Shown on front of Tiny Toy Leaflet
Photo © Zoe Handy

Believed to be the Tiny Toy 3-Piece Leather Suite
This Photo of a Magazine Page © Jenny

The above photo is of a page from 'International Dolls' House News' which stated that the suite was believed to be the Tiny Toy 3-Piece Leather Suite. Margaret Towner mentions in her 1993 'Doll's House Furniture' book, that the "suite was upholstered in real leather", though no source for the information is given.

Tiny Toy Armchairs
Photo © Marion Osborne

The armchairs in the above photo are believed to be Tiny Toy and certainly match up with those shown in the photo from the magazine article shown above.

Clearly the suite was available in a variety of colours.

Settees, 7 1/2d


Tiny Toy Settee
(H 4.1 cm x L 8.4 cm x W 4.8 cm)
Photo © Zoe Handy

The above settee (and the matching arm chair) are quite small and could be all or part of a "Duckie Set" mentioned in the one shilling and threepence section of my price list.

The arms on this black and gold settee are different to those one the red and gold one shown above:

Tiny Toy Settee
Photo © Zoe Handy

And this black and gold settee and armchair (with non-original seat pads) are different again:

Tiny Toy Settee and Armchair
Photo © Jenny

Armchairs


Armchairs aren't listed or illustrated on my leaflet, however, the armchairs shown below are clearly the armchairs which match the settees shown above. Perhaps they were only sold as part of a set.

Tiny Toy Armchairs
Photo © Claire Quick

Here is a settee with two matching armchairs:

Tiny Toy Settee and Armchairs
Photo © Marion Osborne

And my settee with an armchair for which I've provided measurements:

Tiny Toy Settee and Armchair
(H 4.1 cm x L 4.5 cm x W 4.8 cm)
Photo © Zoe Handy

And this is the armchair which matches the black and gold settee shown above:

Tiny Toy Armchair - Black and Gold Version
Photo © Val Hill

Metal Furniture, 9d and 6 1/2d


"Metal Furniture" appears in both the 9d section and the 6 1/2d section and nothing further is specified, so we have no way of knowing which pieces are referred to.

Rather more helpfully, however, we do know that one of the pieces of metal furniture was a settee as the example below is ink-stamped "Tiny Toy Products". [Please see the Dining Room section for a matching metal table and chair set.]

Tiny Toy Metal Furniture
Photo © Claire Quick

Maker's Stamp on Underside of Tiny Toy Metal Setee
Photo © Claire Quick

Nest of 3 Tables, 1/-


Tiny Toy Nest of 3 Tables
Photo © Zoe Handy

Octagon Table, 9d, 7 1/2d and 6d


'Octagon Table' appears under the 9d, the 7 1/2d and the 6d sections of the price list and, since I have seen at least two different sizes, I assume that the larger version cost 9d, the medium-size version cost 7 1/2d and the smaller version cost 6d.

Tiny Toy Octagon Table on the left. 
(I believe the right-hand table is German, possibly Anfoe and 
also sold in the UK by Basset Lowke as part of its 'Nuways' range)
Photo © Zoe Handy

Tiny Toy Octagon Table - Red and Gold - Small, Medium or Large?
(H 4.1 cm x W 5.2 cm x D 5.2 cm)
Photo © Zoe Handy

Tiny Toy Octagon Table - Black and Gold
(I am uncertain if this is the larger 9d or the smaller 7 1/2d version.)
Photo © Claire Quick

Tiny Tallboy, 2/-


"Tiny Tallboy" in a Tiny Toy Leaflet shown in
IDHN Magazine, Summer 1993
This photo of magazine page © Zoe Handy

The above photo is of a very hazy image of the "Tiny Tall Boy", in a Tiny Toy leaflet shown in the Summer 1993 edition of International Dolls' House News.

Tiny Toy Tallboy - Red and Gold
H 11.3 cm x L 7.8 cm x D 4.7 cm
Photo © Zoe Handy

The red and gold piece shown above matches the photo in the leaflet.

Price of 2/- on Back of Tiny Toy Tallboy/Drawers
Photo © Zoe Handy

Also confirming that we have the right piece, is the price on the back: though it's very faint, it does appear to say 2/- (there is a "Chest of Drawers" but that's in the 1/6 section).

Tiny Toy "Tiny Tall Boy" - Black & Gold
Photo © Val Hill

Tiny Library, 6d


This doesn't appear in my price list, however, is is shown on the front of the leaflet:

Tiny Toy "Tiny Library"
Shown on front of Tiny Toy Leaflet
Photo © Zoe Handy

Two examples of this piece:

Tiny Toy "Tiny Library' - Black and Gold
(Missing the 5 Books)
Photo © Zoe Handy

Tiny Toy "Tiny Library' - Red and Gold
(Missing the 5 Books)
Photo © Zoe Handy

Tiny Toy "Tiny Library" with 5 Books - Dark Stain
H 4.5 cm x W 4 cm
Photo © Zoe Handy

It's possible that the five books on the top shelf of this piece are the original five supplied with it.

Tiny Library, 9d


Two Different Tiny Toy Bookcases - the 9d Tiny Library on the left?
Photo © Jenny

The bookcase on the right is the 6d "Tiny Library 6 Books" illustrated in my leaflet and the version on the left, being bigger (approx. H 7.3 cm), could be the 9d version.

Tiny Toy Bookcase with Original Books - Probably the 9d Tiny Library.
Photo © Claire Quick


Close-up of Original Book from a Tiny Library.
Photo © Claire Quick

And here we have a similar bookcase but with different books:

Tiny Toy Bookcase with Original Books - Probably the 9d Tiny Library.
Photo © Claire Quick

The bookcase above measures: H 8 cm x 7.2 cm.

Tiny Toy Bookcase with Original Books - Probably the 9d Tiny Library.
Photo © Claire Quick

Despite being different from those seen in the bookcase above, the books in this one do appear to be original too as they look to be identically made to those seen in the boxed example of the Little Library described in the "Little Library" section below.

Duckie Library, 1/9


This isn't listed in my price list, however, is is shown on the front of the leaflet:

Tiny Toy "Duckie Library"
Shown on front of Tiny Toy Leaflet
Photo © Zoe Handy


Possibly a Tiny Toy Little Library or Ducky Library
Photo © Zoe Handy

This bookcase looks very like the one illustrated on my leaflet and there are ten opening books with it. The leaflet states that both the Little Library and the Ducky Library come with 21 books and the illustration shows those 21 books filling the two shelves. As you can see in the photo above, my 10 books fill a quarter of the bookcase, so 21 would only partially fill the shelves, which seems to be the case in the photo in the leaflet.

Possibly Tiny Toy - a close-up of a selection of the books.
Photo © Zoe Handy

The books are 2cm (3/4") square, unmarked and contain blank pages.

Label on reverse of bookcase.
Photo © Zoe Handy

There is a label on the reverse of the piece and if the 2/6 stamped on it relates to price, then this wouldn't fit with the prices stated in my leaflet for either the Ducky Library (1/9), or the Little Library (1/6).

Little Library with 21 Volumes, 1/6


Also not shown in my price list but shown on the front of the leaflet is this "Little Library" with "21 Volumes".


Tiny Toy Little Library
Photo © Zoe Handy

The National Trust Museum of Childhood online archive shows a boxed example of a Tiny Toy Little Library which can be seen with its original box in the two photos available to view here.

The NT Museum example does, however, differ from the example in the illustration in my leaflet as that bookcase does not have top piece above the upper shelf and the tops of the sides are curved.  The NT Museum example is described on the box lid as "The "Tiny Toy" Society's Choice for 1933". The measurements given are: H 7 cm x W 8.4 cm x D 2.8 cm. Measurements for the books are given as L 2.2 - 3.3 cm.


Screens (4 Fold), 1/- and 7 1/2d.


There are 4-fold screens listed in both the one shilling and the seven and a halfpence sections of my price list. I'm guessing that the difference in price would be down to size differences, but it would be good to know for sure.

Tiny Toy 4-Fold Screen measuring: H 12.5 cm x W 21 cm
Photo © Claire Quick

Judging by the measurements, the screen above might be the larger one shilling version. It certainly seems to be bigger than the other 4-fold screens shown below (I don't have measurements for those, but Marion Osborne's are shown with a 2p coin which gives a good indication of their smaller size).

The unusual red and silver finish on the screen above seems to have been applied in a similar way to that on Marion's white and grey [possibly silver and grey] screen below. Both seem to be painted with a dry brush effect which differs from the other [possibly later?] screens which have solid painted backgrounds with a more accomplished marble effect, which I imagine is achieved by applying the highlighting paint to a wet background (not that I'm an expert is such things, so I stand to be corrected!)

Tiny Toy Screen (4 Fold)
Photo © Val Hill

Tiny Toy Screens (4 Fold)
Photo © Marion Osborne

The screen on the right is an unusual colour and finish for Tiny Toy, though it seems to be of the same size and construction of the Tiny Toy screen on the left.

Screens "Duckie", 6d


Tiny Toy Screen - Possibly the "Duckie" Screen
(H 7.5 cm x W 10.5 cm)
Photo © Jenny

Different again from the 4 fold screen shown in the 1/- section, the dimensions of this little 3 fold screen indicate that it could be one of the smaller, "Duckie" pieces. Also seen in red and gold below, with very slightly larger dimensions.

Tiny Toy Screen - Possibly the "Duckie" Screen
(H 8 cm x W 11 cm)
Photo © Claire Quick

Dining Room


Antique Table and Two Chairs, 2/- and Antique Table, 1/- 

Marion Osborne has kindly shared the first two photos below of the antique table and chairs which she knows to be Tiny Toy because they are illustrated in a leaflet she has access to.

Tiny Toy Antique Table
Photo © Marion Osborne

Tiny Toy Antique Chairs
Photo © Marion Osborne

There is no mention in my price list of the chairs being sold separately, so it's possible that they were only sold as part of a set, however, the table was available either with two chairs for 2/- or on its own for 1/-.

Antique Table, 6d


'Antique Table' also appears in the 6d section and presumably the 6d version was either smaller or less detailed than the 1/- version.

Tiny Toy "Antique Table"?
(H 4.5 cm x W 9 cm)
Photo © Claire Quick

The table shown above came with a job lot of Tiny Toy items and has a look of Tiny Toy. Could it be a the 6d Antique Table?

It isn't very tall, so it's also possible that it was part of a "Duckie" set, or perhaps it was a coffee table (though apart from the distinctive "Octagon Table" which we know to be coffee table or side table size, no such piece is mentioned in my price list).

Metal Furniture, 9d



Tiny Toy Metal Furniture
Photo © Claire Quick

Tiny Toy Metal Chair
Photo © Zoe Handy

I have this little chair which is the same as the chairs shown with their matching table above, except that the 'leather' is different and....

Tiny Toy Metal Chair
Photo © Zoe Handy

...my chair is stamped as shown in the photo above, indicating that a patent had been applied for and was pending. Most interestingly, however, the numbers below the patent application number seem to be a date: 30.4.46.

Since it's believed that Tiny Toy ceased trading in 1947, it would seem that these very modern-looking metal pieces were some of the last ones produced.

Sideboard, 1/6


Included in a job lot which contained a lot of Tiny Toy items, this piece is made of ply, has the rectangular handles and the open area along the bottom, indicating that it could well be Tiny Toy too:

Tiny Toy Side Board?
(H 7 cm x W 12 cm x D 4.5 cm)
Photo © Claire Quick

The dark stain might have been added to the piece at a later date, or it could be original and the sideboard might have matched the "Antique Table and 2 Chairs" listed in the 2/- section of the price list, if my supposition is correct that it was dark staining that distinguished a piece as "Antique".

The sideboard shown in the photo above has a price of 1/6 marked on the back in pencil, which matches the price stated in my price list.

Over-painted Tiny Toy Sideboard
Photo © Jenny

Though the piece above has been overpainted by a previous owner, the construction, handles and the open section along the lower front of the piece give this the look and feel of Tiny Toy.

It is constructed slightly differently to the sideboard shown above it.

Tiny Toy Sideboard
Photo © Claire Quick

And here is the same sideboard with the distinctive Tiny Toy paint effect.

Wheeled Waggon (Trolly), 1/-


This isn't listed in my price list, however, is is shown on the front of the leaflet:

Tiny Toy Wheeled Wagon
Photo © Zoe Handy

Tiny Toy Wheeled Wagon
Photo © Claire Quick

A Selection of Tiny Toy Wheeled Wagons (Trolleys)
Photo © Marion Osborne

This interesting photo from Marion Osborne shows four different Tiny Toy trolleys in two different sizes and with tow different types of wheels.

Bedroom


Dressing Table with Swing Mirror, 1/6


The dimensions of the dressing table with swing mirror shown below would indicate that it is of the standard Tiny Toy range and isn't a smaller "Duckie" item:

Tiny Toy Dressing Table with Swing Mirror
(H 9.5 cm x 10.5 W)
Photo © Claire Quick

The dressing table in the photo above is marked 1/6 in pencil on the base, which matches the price given in my price list.

Tiny Toy Bedroom Set
Photo © Zoe Handy

The discovery of a Tiny Toy clock in this light wood with the same green-highlighted edges and a [possible] cocktail cabinet of the same design (see below for both), prompted me to recall that I once owned this bedroom suite. When I tracked down this photo of it, I was excited to see that the dressing table is almost identical to the red/gold one shown above.

On both versions, each drawer looks like it is two drawers but is actually only one, the bevelled mirrors are the same and the construction varies only in that there is a solid base attached to the red and gold version.

At the time that I owned this, I asked around but he maker was unidentified, however, it now looks like it's Tiny Toy - how I now wish I had kept it!

I don't have any measurements for the pieces, however, I do recall that the main reason I didn't keep it was that it was a little too large for the 1:16 scale house I had hoped to put it in, so definitely not a "Duckie" set!

And, if I needed any further confirmation this suite was Tiny Toy, Marion Osborne kindly sent me photos of two further Tiny Toy bedroom sets:

Tiny Toy Bedroom Set
Photo © Marion Osborne

Possible Tiny Toy Bedroom Set
Photo © Marion Osborne

Marion thinks that the bedroom suite in the above photo could well be from the war years (1939-45).

Both of Marion's sets appear to be quite small scale, so possibly "Duckie" sets?

Tiny Toy Bedroom Suite
Photo © Claire Quick

Possibly Tiny Toy?
Photo © Claire Quick

The bed in the photo above came with other Tiny Toy furniture and could be from the same maker.

Possibly the Tiny Toy?
Photo  © Clare Harlow

Similarly, the twin beds in the photos above came from a house with other Tiny Toy furniture in it and are possible candidates for the "Twin Beds (2)" listed in the 1/- section of my price list - they are rather messily painted, but then so are some of the bathroom pieces. They are quite small, measuring only 10cm long by 7.5cm high by 4.5 cm wide (4" x 3" x 1.75") and have no markings on the bases.

Chest of Drawers, 1/6


Tiny Toy Chest of Drawers
Photo © Zoe Handy

The drawers shown above seem to be typical but please see the various examples shown in the bedrooms sets illustrated in the 'Dressing Table with Swing Mirror' section immediately above this one.

Dressing Table, 1/9 and 1/6


Tiny Toy Dressing Table?
(H 10 cm x W 8.5 cm)
Photo © Claire Quick

This dressing table with fixed mirror has a definite look of Tiny Toy and came in a job lot of Tiny Toy items.

The dark staining might have been added by a previous owner, however, it's also quite possible that some pieces were stained dark and that this is what distinguished them as "Antique" - a term used for some of the items in the price list.

N.B. "Dressing Table" also appears in both the 1/9 and the 1/6 section of my price list, so presumably the lower price of the latter refers to either a smaller version or a less fancy version. I suspect that the version shown above is the less fancy/smaller version as it doesn't seem to be quite as detailed as the other items in the 1/9 price section.

It is a reasonable size for a 1:16 dressing table, so it probably isn't part of the "Duckie" range of smaller pieces.

Wardrobe, 1/6

Tiny Toy Wardrobe
Photo © Claire Quick

This wardrobe, with the distinctive Tiny Toy paint effect, has an Art Deco look. It is differs from other wardrobes seen in that it has a drawer at the bottom and the lines along the top are very square.


Tiny Toy Wardrobe (Missing Green-painted Handle)
Photo © Zoe Handy

The wardrobe directly above is from the bedroom set shown at the start of this Bedroom section.

Tiny Toy Wardrobe
(H 10.5 cm x W 7 cm)
Photo © Claire Quick

This photo of a white-painted wardrobe photobwas sent to me as a possible Tiny Toy piece before the discovery of the Tiny Toy set shown in the 1/6 section above but, as you can see, it matches the wardrobe from that set exactly.

Possible Tiny Toy Wardrobe?
(H 11 cm x W 8 cm)
Photo © Claire Quick

The above is another possible candidate for the Tiny Toy wardrobe as it came with a job lot of Tiny Toy which included a dark-stained Tiny Toy dressing table and sideboard. The wood and the handle are not typical of Tiny Toy so it it a maybe/maybe not....

Cot, 1/6


The cot shown below is clearly not the 6d "Cot, on Rockers", nor the 4 1/2d "Rocking Cot" mentioned in my price list and, since it is boxed singly and priced at 1/6, nor can it be one of the "Two Twin Cots" listed in the 9d section.

However, is certainly Tiny Toy because it has its original box and cot she owns and the box does appear to have a price of 1/6 on it:


Tiny Toy Cot (Drop-down Side Missing)
Photo © Marion Osborne

Box for Tiny Toy Cot
Photo © Marion Osborne

I have an unboxed example of this cot but in pink rather than blue:

Tiny Toy Cot
Photo © Zoe Handy

Tiny Toy Cot - Side Down
Photo © Zoe Handy

The bottom of the drop-down side can be pulled outward and then it slides down and sits neatly on the floor.

Tiny Toy 'Rocking Cot' or 'Cot on Rockers'
(Shown with Tiny Toy Rocking Chair) Photo © Marion Osborne

The cot in the above photo could be either the 6d "Cot, on Rockers", or the 4 1/2d "Rocking Cot" mentioned in my price list.

It seems logical to me to describe a cot with rockers added to it to be termed "on Rockers" as opposed to a "Rocking Cot" cot like the one in the photo above where the body of the cot itself is shaped so that it rocks, so my guess would be that the one shown above is the four and a half pence "Rocking Cot".

Rocking Chair, 6d and 4 1/2d


Tiny Toy Rocking Chair
Photo © Claire Quick 

In addition to the unstained rocking chair shown with the rocking cot in the cot section above, there appears to be a dark-stained version as shown above and I also own a green-painted version of this rocker:

Tiny Toy Rocking Chair
Photo © Zoe Handy

The rocking chair is listed in both the 6d and the 4 1/2d section of my price list, and I don't know which section these examples belong to - I wonder what the difference was.

Hallway


Hat Stands, 6 1/2d


Tiny Toy Hat Stands
Photo © Marion Osborne

Would these come under "Hat Stands" I wonder, or something else? I'm not sure.

The mirror on the piece on the left is probably a replacement filched from a Twiggs dressing table, as it bears the same flower transfer more commonly seen on Twiggs bedroom furniture.

Added 5.5.2022:

I now have a hat stand like he one on the right in the photo above, but he mirror, though still a rectangle rather than a square, is a little smaller. The hat stand measures: H 9.5 cm x W 6.6 cm x D 3 cm. The mirror measures: H 2.5 cm x W 3.1 cm. There is no price on the piece, nor any other markings.

Office/Study


Office Furniture, 2/-


Office Furniture in a Tiny Toy Leaflet Shown in 
IDHN Magazine, Summer 1993.
This photo of the magazine page © Zoe Handy

The hazy photo above shows a Tiny Toy office desk and chair, together with a typewriter.

Before I move on to desks, I will just show this photo of a chair which is believed to be a Tiny Toy bathroom chair:

Tiny Toy Bathroom Chair - Same Chair with
Different Stain Used as Office Furniture
Photo © Zoe Handy

The bathroom chair is exactly the same chair as shown with the desk in the leaflet photograph, so it looks as if Tiny Toy simply painted it or stained it depending on its different uses.

And here are two examples of the desk, the first in dark-stained wood and the second painted red with gold marbling:

Tiny Toy Office Desk
Photo © Marion Osborne

Tiny Toy Office Desk
Photo © Marion Osborne

Added 5.5.2022:

I now own a desk like the one shown in the photo directly above. Mine measures: H 6.5 cm x W 1.5 cm (15.3 when extended) x D 3.2 cm. It is fully stained (including the back and underside). There is no price, nor any other markings on it. The drawer opens but the cupboard below it is just a false front and doesn't open.

And here is a different version of the desk:

Tiny Toy Office Desk
Photo © Marion Osborne

A further example of this desk can be seen by scrolling down in this Dolls’ Houses Past and Present Magazine article.

Writing Bureau, 1/3 and 1/9


This is helpfully illustrated on the back of the leaflet, together with the information that there are two sizes available: the small one costing 1/3 and the tall one at 1/9.

Tiny Toy Writing Bureau Shown on the back
of the Tiny Toy Leaflet/Price List
Photo © Zoe Handy

Here are two examples of the bureau as seen in the leaflet illustration, with two different finishes:

Tiny Toy Writing Bureau (Tall)
Photo © Marion Osborne

Tiny Toy Writing Bureau (Tall)
Photo © Marion Osborne

Tiny Toy Writing Bureau (Tall)
Photo © Claire Quick

And this third example (above and below) helpfully shows the inside too:

Tiny Toy Writing Bureau (Tall)
Photo © Claire Quick

Another example in the red and gold finish is shown on p.48 of 'Doll's House Furniture' by Margaret Towner, 1993 - looking at the size of that one in comparison to the Pit-a-Pat furniture in the foreground of the photo, I would imagine that it is a smaller scale than this one, so perhaps part of a Duckie set.

It would seem logical for these tall pieces to be the more expensive 'tall versions' and for the following pieces, without cupboards above, to be the small version:

Tiny Toy Writing Bureau (Small and Probably "Duckie")
Photo © Marion Osborne

Tiny Toy Writing Bureau (Small and Probably "Duckie")
Photo © Marion Osborne

Tiny Toy Writing Bureau (Small and Probably "Duckie")
Photo © Marion Osborne

Tiny Toy Writing Bureau - (Small and probably "Duckie")
Photo © Marion Osborne

Looking at the size of the writing bureaus in the photos above compared to the twopence coin, they appear to be very small and might, therefore, have been part of a 'Duckie Set'.

I have seen a larger scale example of this "Small" version (if you see what I mean!), unfortunately, I wasn't able to obtain permission to use the photo, however, it was essentially just a scaled up version of the red piece shown above - it's difficult to say what scale it was without measurements, but certainly no smaller than 1:16 and not, therefore, "Duckie" size.

Escritoire, 1/9


I'm not aware of any known examples of the Tiny Toy "Escritoire".

The dictionary definition of an escritoire in British English is as follows:

"NOUN. A writing desk with compartments and drawers, concealed by a hinged flap, on a chest of drawers or plain stand.

However, this is quite a good description of the "Small" Writing Bureau shown in the section above and I did, at first, wonder if that was the piece referred to, however, since the "Tall" version of that is illustrated in my leaflet priced at 1/3, it wouldn't be at all logical for the shorter piece (essentially the same piece with the top bit missing) to be listed at the higher price of 1/9 in the same price list.

So what Tiny Toy referred to as an Escritoire?  

Further research online does suggest that the term originally referred to a more portable writing box, which might have collapsable legs, or it might simply be box which would be placed on top of another piece furniture for use. 

With that in mind, and given the 1/9 price tag, I wonder if this unusual piece could be a candidate for the Tiny Toy escritoire:


Could this be the Tiny Toy Escritoire?
Photo © Clare Harlow

Could this be the Tiny Toy Escritoire?
Photo © Clare Harlow

Could this be the Tiny Toy Escritoire?
Photo © Clare Harlow

Could this be the Tiny Toy Escritoire?
Photo © Clare Harlow

We can see from the unpainted base of the single-drawer box piece that it’s designed to sit on the three-drawer chest. Unfortunately there are none of the characteristic Tiny Toy pencil marks on either base to help us out.  The handles are, however, very characteristic of Tiny Toy.

There is a trace of red paint on the base of the three-drawer chest but the owner has checked carefully and is sure the piece was never a red one which has been overpainted. Perhaps it picked it up in the Tiny Toy workshop...

I do hope something will turn up to either confirm or disprove this theory and if you can help in this regard, any and all information would be most welcome.

Music Room


Grand Piano Set, 1/3


Tiny Toy Baby Grand Piano
Photo © Marion Osborne

Tiny Toy Baby Grand Piano with Original Box
Photo © Marion Osborne

Tiny Toy Music Stand - Part of the Baby Grand Piano Set
Photo © Marion Osborne

My price list refers to a "Grand Piano Set" whereas the box for the piano shown above refers to a "Baby Grand Piano" and, as you can see from the 2p coin in the photos, this appears to be very small scale, perhaps too small for a Baby Grand in 1:16 scale, so possibly a smaller, Duckie item/set?

Tiny Toy Bany Grand Piano - 1/6 Price on Box
Photo © Marion Osborne

The price on the box is 1/6, however, so that is more expensive than the "Grand Piano Set" mentioned in my price list - I suppose it might have been listed at a higher price in later price lists and if any one has one to confirm or deny this, I'd love to hear from you.

Two Further Styles of Tiny Toy Piano
Photo © Marion Osborne

There are no other mentions of pianos on my price list, apart from the "Piano Stools" listed in the 3d section, but Marion Osborne sent this photo of two further pianos painted in the unmistakeable red and gold Tiny Toy colours (above) and another dark-stained version which cold also be Tiny Toy (below).

Also believed to be a Tiny Toy Piano
Photo © Marion Osborne

Tiny Toy Piano with Dark Stain
Photo © Zoe Handy

Added 5.5.2022:

I now own the piano and stool above, which is the same as one of Marion Osborne's red and gold pianos (shown above). It measures: H 7.2 cm x W 9.5 cm x D 3.8 cm, stool: H 3 cm x W 3.7 cm x D 2.5 cm. There is no price, nor any other markings on it.

Music Sheet


Tiny Toy Music Sheet - Inside
Photo © Marion Osborne

Tiny Toy Music Sheet - Revers Side
Photo © Marion Osborne

Music sheets are not mentioned in my price list, however the one above is clearly by Tiny Toy, so perhaps they were only sold as part of the Grand Piano Set listed in the 1/3 section.

Drawing of a different Tiny Toy Music Sheet
Photo © Zoe Handy

Alternatively, they might have been received by children when they joined the Tiny Toy Society, as was suggested in Marion Osborne's article on Tiny Toy in issue 156 (September 2005) of Dolls' House World. The drawing above is of a Tiny Toy Music Sheet featured in that article and Marion tells us in the article that it is "1in tall and 3/4in wide, when closed... Interestingly it consists of two sheets of paper glued together and the music has been added in pencil, so we are not sure if this [the pencil marks] is original".

Fireplaces


I know that "Grate" refers to a fireplace because there is a boxed example of a "Glowing Grate" in an article on Tiny Toy by Marion Osborne in Dolls' House World magazine, Issue 145, October 2004.

Electric Grate, 1/-


The one shilling grate is described as "Electric" and was probably the same model as the one shown in Marion's article as that was lit by a bulb hidden in the pile of coals. Marion describes the fireplace as being 'in dark stain, with brick paper at the back, sides and base of the hearth. The bulb is hidden in the 'heap of coal' and at the back there is a hole from which the wires exit" and she mentions that the cost was 1/-.

Tiny Toy Grates with Built-in Housing for Batteries
Photo © Marion Osborne

The fireplaces in the photo above each have a space in the top for a battery.

Modern Grate, 6 1/2d


I've seen at least three different size/shaped fireplaces too, but this is the one I own: and since it's not particularly small, I am assuming it it the "Modern Grate" referred to in this section and not the smaller-size "Duckie Grate", also in this section.

There is no hole in the back of this piece for a pea-bulb to be inserted to light up the coal, so it isn't, therefore, the "Electric Grate" referred to in the 1/- section.

Tiny Toy Grate
(H 6.3 cm x W 9 cm x D 3.5 cm)
Photo © Zoe Handy

This is the same grate in a plain dark stain:

Tiny Toy Grate (Missing Its Coals?)
(H 6.3 cm x W 9.5 cm x D 3.5 cm)
Photo © Jenny

The following grates belong to Marion Osborne and are believed to be Tiny Toy. They do not made to house batteries and have no wire holes for wires and are, therefore, not the one shilling Electric Grates detailed in my price list:

Tiny Toy Grate
Photo © Marion Osborne

Tiny Toy Grate
Photo © Marion Osborne

Tiny Toy Grate
Photo © Marion Osborne

Tiny Toy Grate
Photo © Marion Osborne

Miscellaneous Furniture and Accessories


Electric Lamp, 1/- and 1/6


This isn't mentioned in my price list, however, is is shown on the front of the leaflet at those prices:

Tiny Toy Lamp
Photo © Zoe Handy

In addition to the Electric Lamps pictured on the leaflet, the following are also mentioned in the price list:

  • Pendant Lamp, 1/-
  • Lampshades (Silk), 4d
  • Lampshades, 3d

Unfortunately, I don't have any examples of these, so if anyone does and would be happy to share photos, or even just ideas about them, I'd love to hear from you.

Possibly Tiny Toy?
Photo © Zoe Handy 

Table lamps are not mentioned in my leaflet, however, if we were to accept the 'possibly Tiny Toy' bowls of fruit shown in the 'Food' section above, then the lamps in the above photo would appear to by by the same maker, could that have been Tiny Toy?

Possibly Tiny Toy?
Photo © Zoe Handy 

And if those lamps were by Tiny Toy, then I also own this taller lamp, probably a standard lamp, with the same flowers on the shade.

Base of Standard Lamp
Photo © Zoe Handy

The base of the standard lamp is marked 2/- which seems quite expensive compared to some of the other items, though my price list is fairly early and these could be from a later date.

Bevelled Mirrors, 6d and 4 1/2d


"Bevelled Mirror" is mentioned its the 6d section of the price list and "Bevelled Mirrors" in the 4 1/2d section - presumably the latter was either smaller or less fancy.

Tiny Toy Bevelled Mirror - Front
Photo © Marion Osborne

Tiny Toy Bevelled Mirror - Back
Photo © Marion Osborne

Cutlery & Napery, 6d


Marion Osborne shows a boxed set of cutlery and napery in her 'Return to Tiny Toy' article in Doll's House World, Issue 156, September 2005. The contents had been added to, but those which she identified as likely to be original were a few pieces of cutlery and three napkins. Of these she said: "The napkins in their rings are far more likely to be original as the rings are made from a strong wire that is wound around the napkin four-and-a-half times. The napkins are 1 3/4in long and the cutlery nearly 1 1'4in long".

Tiny Toy Napkins?
Photo © Claire Quick

The napkins in the photo above came with other Tiny Toy items and are very like the ones illustrated and described by Marion in her Dolls' House World Article.  The table, cutlery box and the 'kitchenette' (in the background to the right), are all Tiny Toy also.

Blackboard, Easel and Chalks, 6d


Tiny Toy Blackboard, Easel and Chalks
Photo © Zoe Handy

Part of a Tiny Toy Easel 
Photo © Claire Quick

The photo of the blackboard, easel and chalks shown in my leaflet is particularly dark, but it is clear enough to see that the part-easel shown above is of the correct construction. The part-easel came in a large lot of Tiny Toy items - unfortunately, it has seen better days and is missing a support and its blackboard.

Books & Pencils, 6 1/2d


Also shown in Marion Osborne's article in Dolls' House World, Issue 145, October 2004, is a boxed example of on the books and pencils.

In contrast to the normal buff coloured boxes, the box for the set shown is brightly patterned. The lid reads "Tiny Toy Series. Six little Booklets. Bound to please. Six pencilettes, which write with ease. Original Novelty. Made in England".

The books, which look quite square, "are covered in various colours of leather/textile" and can be opened, though there is nothing written either on either the covers or inside.

Marion mentions that the pencils (three black and thee a pinky red?) are 1 3/8" long and, seen alongside each other in the box, the books appear to be the same height as the pencils.

Little Nuisance, 4 1/2d


Illustration of Tiny Toy Telephone from 1930s Leaflet
This photo of illustration © Zoe Handy

The is a good photo of a boxed example of the Tiny Toy telephone in Margaret Towner's 1993 book Doll's House Furniture:

Tiny Toy Telephone with Original Box in
Margaret Towner's book 'Doll's House Furniture', 1993.

Pictures, Small 3d and Large 4 1/2d


Tiny Toy Pictures
Photo © Zoe Handy

Grandaughter [sic] Clock, 6 1/2d


Tiny Toy "Grandaughter Clock"
(H 7 cm x 3.5 cm)
Photo © Claire Quick

The Same Clock as Above
The Legs Differ from the Example Below
Photo © Claire Quick 

Tiny Toy Granddaughter Clock
(Replacement Clock Face)
Photo © Val Hill

Two Sizes of Tiny Toy Granddaughter Clocks
Photo © Marion Osborne

Clocks (Marbled), 3d


Tiny Toy Clocks
(W 4.5 cm)
Photo © Claire Quick

Two Sizes of Tiny Toy Marbled Clocks
Photo © Marion Osborne

Baby Clock, 2d


Tiny Toy Baby Clock? - Black with Marbling
Photo © Claire Quick

Tiny Toy Clock/Baby Clock? - Red and Gold
(H 1.8 cm x W 3.2 cm x W 1.2 cm)
Photo © Zoe Handy

The face on my clock above is paper stuck onto a rounded drawing pin inserted into the wood, giving it a curved relief. There is also a corresponding brass drawing pin in the back of the clock.

Other Clocks


Tiny Toy Clock - Painted Gold with Green Highlights on Edges
(W 4.5 cm)
Photo © Claire Quick

The clock in the photo above looks like wood with faded paint, however, it is actually painted gold and the 'shoulders' are painted in green. It is the same size as the "Clocks (Marbled) shown in the 3d section above.

Tiny Toy Clock? (Non-original Face)
Photo © Jenny

Could this be a different design of Tiny Toy clock?

Barometers, 6d


Possible Tiny Toy Barometer (with replacement brass surround)
Photo © Zoe Handy

Possible Tiny Toy Barometer
Photo © Jenny

Possible Tiny Toy Barometer
Photo © Claire Quick

Flowers in Pots, 2d


Possibly Tiny Toy 'Flowers in Pots'
Photo © Claire Quick 

These lovely pots of flowers are in bowls which are very close to the 'possibly Tiny Toy' bowls of fruit featured in the 'Food' section above. The flowers look remarkably clean and bright to to over 70 years old, but the owner tells me that bases are marked 2d which is the correct price in my price list.

Possibly Tiny Toy 'Flowers in Pots'
Photo © Zoe Handy

Added 10.5.2022

I recently bought these flowers in a vase (photo above). The flowers appear to be made from the same material as, and are similar colours to, the flowers in previous photo, and the decoration on the vase is very typical of Tiny Toy.

Possibly Tiny Toy 'Flowers in Pots'
Photo © Zoe Handy 

Looking at the base of this vase, however, it seems to be made of a very hard plastic (or similar) material, moulded in two halves, as you can see the seam across the base of it. The flowers are similar to those seen in one of the pots of flowers in the photo below.

Tiny Toy 'Flowers in Pots'? Shown here with a Tiny Toy Bowl of Fruit
This Photo of a page in International Dolls' House News © Zoe Handy

Further strengthening the possibility of these being Tiny Toy pieces, I feel, is a photo of two more examples (one containing a different type of flower but in the same type of bowl) which featured in the January 2001 issue of International Dolls' House News described as "1930s wood flower and fruit bowls".

Could this be Tiny Toy?
Photo © Marion Osborne

It is by no means certain, but there is a thought that this little pot could be by Tiny Toy too, thought the paint decoration is obviously slightly different to that of typical Tiny Toy pieces. If any one has any information to support or disprove this possibility, I would love to hear from you.

Invalid Table, 1/-


Tiny Toy Invalid Table
Photo © Marion Osborne

This is such a strange item to produce for a dolls' house, but maybe that's just me! In any case, it is an impressive miniature and I am very grateful to Marion Osborne for kindly sending me this photo of it.

Pedestal/Plant Stand and Small Table

Tiny Toy Pedestals/Plant Stands
Photo © Marion Osborne

We are not sure exactly what these pieces are supposed to be and nothing like them is listed in my leaflet, but they appears to be a pedestals or stands for ornaments or plants. The red and gold paintwork is typical of Tiny Toy.

Tiny Toy Pedestal/Plant Stand and Table
Photo © Marion Osborne

Interestingly, the little table on the right (not mentioned in my leaflet either) stands on the same pedestal, however, the fact that one end of each of the pedestals/stands is painted, would indicate that they are not simply they bases of tables which are missing their tops.

Sailing Punts 14" and Pleasure Punts 9", 2/-


How nice that outdoor activities for dolls' house inhabitants were covered!

I have yet to track down an example of the Sailing Punt but, happily, Marion Osborne has a boxed example of the Pleasure Punt!

Tiny Toy Pleasure Punt in Original Box
Photo © Marion Osborne

Tiny Toy Pleasure Punt - Original Box
Photo © Marion Osborne

Added April 2022: I'm delighted to have now acquired my own boxed Pleasure Punt:

Boxed Tiny Toy Pleasure Punt
Photo © Zoe Handy

Boxed Tiny Toy Pleasure Punt
Photo © Zoe Handy

The contents comprise:
  • The punt itself which is from a solid piece of wood with a very dark stain. The floor is lined with a striped material.
  • A rubberised [non-slip!] mat with pinked/zig-zag edges.
  • A cushion to lounge against - I note that Marion Osborne's punt has two cushions, whereas mine is missing one. Both my cushion and Marion's have red silk-like material on the reverse sides.
  • A setting pole or quant pole (to use the punting lingo!).
  • A paddle - presumably required if you loose your punting pole or get out of depth.

Tiny Toy Pleasure Punt
Photo © Zoe Handy

The two seat backs - facing in opposite directions - are removable and can be slotted into different grooves to adjust the seat positions. 

Rugs and Mats

Rugs and mats appear in various sections of the price list as follows:

  • Rugs, 6d
  • Hardware Rugs, 6 1/2d and 4 1/2d
  • Skin Hearthrugs, 6d
  • Kitchen Mats

I would love to see examples of each of these but sadly have no information on any of them.

Jiglet


What on earth can a "jiglet" have been? I have tried to find out but have come up with nothing. If anyone reading this knows, please do get in touch!

Maybe Tiny Toy


Cocktail Cabinet?


Tiny Toy Cocktail Cabinet? - Light Wood
Photo © Claire Quick

This lovely piece is in the light wood with green highlights style seen on the clock in the photo and in the photo of the Tiny Toy bedroom suite shown above.

Tiny Toy Cocktail Cabinet? - Light Wood
Photo © Claire Quick

I am surmising that the fixings on the inside of cupboard door are to hold the stems of a cocktail glasses and that the deep cupboard under the lift up lid in the middle is for storing the drinks bottles, but I could be wrong!

Tiny Toy Cocktail Cabinet? - Dark Stain
Photo © Claire Quick

The same piece in a dark stain - it's not known if the [messy in places] dark stain is original or not.

Price on Base 2/-
Photo © Claire Quick

Chairs


These chairs have a look of Tiny Toy - could they be part of a kitchen or other set?

Maybe Tiny Toy
Photo © Claire Quick

Summing Up!


So, what a lot of items my plea has already produced - I can't wait to see what else might turn up from elsewhere!

There still are many items in my price list which we don't have examples of and when it comes to items like the "Dessert Service", "Full Tea Set", "Kitchen Set" etc, without boxed examples or pictorial evidence, how are we ever to know which of the vintage items kicking around today are Tiny Toy? Still, never say never!

I the meantime, I have a few more details and measurements to add to the material above and I will continue to do that as and when I'm able.

There are also a few developing theories about some of the other items detailed in the leaflet, which I'll add here when they're a bit more fully formed!

Until then, I would reiterate my plea for help:


IF ANYONE HAS ANY OF THE PIECES OF TINY TOY MISSING FROM MY BLOG POST,

OR CAN ADD TO OR CORRECT THIS POST,

AND THEY ARE WILLING TO SHARE,

I WOULE BE VERY PLEASED TO HEAR FROM YOU! ❤️

***CONTACT ME***

Either by leaving a comment below

or via the Contact Form on the top right hand side of this page.

Many thanks!



Until next time,

Zoe

Read more »
Posted by at 14 comments:
Labels: , , , ,
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)