Teeter Totters

Three toy teeter totters  / polychrome tin / c. 1900

Three antique painted tin toy teeter totters or seesaws, German, c. early 20th century. The inventive toy design functions not unlike an hourglass: At either end of their seesaw, the figures move up and down with gravity, descending one rung at a time (and with a satisfying tinny “thunk” sound). When they reach the bottom, one simply flips the toy upside down — or should we say rightside up — and the figures swivel upright and the seesaw once again begins its downward progression.

The teeter totters have great color with original paint. I especially love the form of the lime green and orange one — the elegant profile and sparse painted decoration raise it to an object of sophisticated design. The figures on all three of the toys are essentially the same, though one long ago was outfitted with a mother of pearl button as a necklace — presumably to better counterbalance the seesaw.

Though a rare toy, I happened to stumble on three over the course of a year, and grouped together I think they make a dynamic trio and hold a bold visual appeal.

Very good antique condition with some paint loss (especially on a couple of the figures) and minor bends in the seesaws. The toys are all functional, though may stop halfway down and need a push. A dab of oil would have them descending flawlessly, but I wanted to keep them as is in order to display the seesaws at various levels.

Measurements

15 inches tall
13 inches wide
3.5 inches deep

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