1970s Playskool Lock-up Zoo animals

More lovely animals, this time from Playskool. The set went under the title Tykeworld Lock up zoo. These fabulous pre school chunky wooden toys came with hinged plastic heads. The series also included a play board, train wagon, a Gorilla and several curious plastic family figures, which Ill try and post another time.

Lucky Cat Mascot

According to where you reside black cats are viewed very differently! Theres no doubting this little fella is pretty Lucky! Made in Japan this magnetic pin cushion measures 9cm.

Perpetual School Calendar

I couldnt have put it better myself! These wooden school flashcards are part of a much bigger set, that allowed the teacher to display the date and the days climatic conditions. How very British! It reminds me of the hymn number display in a church. Each ply wood board is 4mm deep, and 43mm high. I do hope tomorrows a bit brighter!

1970s plastic animals from Hong Kong

Ladybird Initial Teaching Alphabet ITA book

Last week we went to my wifes parents, and helped clear out the loft.
Amongst all the great old photos were a number of books from her childhood, of which this was one. Ive listed a couple of Ladybird books in the "eezy-reeding" scheme before. I still cant believe anyone learnt to read with this scheme, but there you go!

This little gem, first printed in 1964, is illustrated by the prolific Harry Woolley. Theres a short article about Woolley over at Bear Alley.

Lead dogs

Ever since I used to visit Jims Emporium in Liverpool, Ive always been on the look out for lead figures, and these dogs certainly hit the spot!

If memory serves me right they were from Jims stall when he was at Quiggins. Jim would study old Victorian maps looking for old rubbish tips. He'd find the sites, take a spade and dig for old bottles, but of course other things turned up, including broken dolls head, and sometimes lead figures.

The more worn an item, the more I like them. Its as if the scars give the item a sense of history. They certainly have more character that way.

But watch out! It looks as if one of the dogs has broken out of the back of the kennel!

John Broadleys books

Heres a small collection of books by the very talented John Broadley. Each book, made by hand is an absolute treasure! Im hoping 2010 is going to be a really big year for him with the publication of his book with Jonathan Cape due to be published in March. He deserves massive success! You can sneak a preview over at his blog.

Airline Souvenir banners

When I recently found these I was reminded of the Caravan Club banners I listed earlier. They look like they should have hung in a travel agent in the 1960s. Each flag is printed on felt and measures 12". I still havent found a good place to display them. So for now here will have to do!

Childrens Easter Egg Mugs

Three mugs that at one time may have held chocolate Easter eggs.
All stamped Made in England

Its my party!

Six delightful, childrens' party hats made from compressed cardboard. I was shocked by the waves of Nostalgia, I felt, when these turned up over the Summer. I do believe I use to wear these things! A few still have the original elastic cord attached. Stamped Made in England, they date from late 60s.

From Left to Right, the hats are; (Top row) Cowboy, Robin Hood, Fireman,
(Bottom Row) Jockey hat, Top Hat, and (Im guessing here) A French Postal Worker?