When we take a nostalgic trip back in time and reflect on some of the classic toys for children produced around the world, robot toys manufactured by Louis Marx and Company stand out as undoubtedly the most beloved creations among toy collectors. Marx introduced his toy-line in the 1950’s and 1960’s to capitalize on the… Read More »
Classic science fiction movie fans will fondly remember Robby the Robot as the iconic mechanical character from the 1956 sci-fi movie, Forbidden Planet, starring Leslie Nielsen. Robby was originally designed by a Japanese-American engineer Robert Kinoshita and the robot was built for about $125,000 inside a MGM prop department in 1955 for his first movie.… Read More »
During the 1950’s, the majority of battery operated motorized wind-up tin robot toys were manufactured outside of the United States by many Japanese toy companies. When these tin toys were exported to the United States, they attracted a lot of interest from American children. Because they were able to cheaply mass produce robot toys for… Read More »
Yoshiya was one of the major toy manufacturers in Japan during the 1950’s and 1960’s post war era. The company stayed in business until the 1970’s. It was also known as Kobe Yoko Ltd. and produced several friction, wind-up, and battery powered mechanical toys during their run. Many of their robot toys are now popular… Read More »
The Japanese company Horikawa was one of the most prolific manufacturers of battery operated tin toys in the industry after the second World War. Their brand are recognized by the company’s logo “SH” on their products which includes collectible tin toys such as robots, rocket ships and space stations. Horikawa was so popular as a… Read More »
Another great decade for classic toy robots in the United States is the Sixties. Toys from this era showcased the great advancement of science and technology, feeding the growing obsession of these mechanical beings among children. During this time period, classic popular Sixties battery operated robot toys include Marx, Taiyo, Horikawa, and other classic brand… Read More »
Like many manufacturers in Japan in the late 1940’s, the company Nomura made a transition towards the tin toy industry after World War II to help reconstruct the economy of their country. Nomura is famous for their tin robot toys such as Tetsujin 28 aka Iron Man and Astro Boy. In addition, coming off the… Read More »
During the early 1970’s, the Japanese toy company Bandai created a toy division called Popy. Although they initially made tin toys such as the Grendizer robot photographed on the left, Popy began to incorporate die-cast metal into their action figure robot toys to reduce production costs during the ’70s. The metal was zinc based and… Read More »
Founded in the 1950’s, the company Yonezawa Toys was one of the largest toy manufacturers in Japan during the post-war era. Yonezawa produced thousands of small tin mechanical and battery powered toys until the early ’70s. Their robot toys are known for doing more than just walking. For example, the “Winky” robot walks as its… Read More »
In the original animated series from the Eighties, the number one mission of the “Voltron Force” was to protect the planet Arus from the evil king Zarkon and his force of Ro-beasts. This classic incarnation of with lion Voltron robots was originally based on the 1981 Japanese animated series “Beast King Go Lion” which was… Read More »