Toy Motorboat, 1890-1920

Toy companies began making small, inexpensive, yet colorful, tin toys in the late 19th century. Over the years, toymakers stamped tin into shapes of animals, planes, trains, soldiers and even this motorboat. Children could purchase these low-priced toys from shopkeepers or street vendors. These mass-produced toys -- though not meant to last -- provided fun for just a few pennies.