Toy Fox, circa 1900

Toy companies began making small, inexpensive, yet colorful, tin toys in the late 19th century. Over the years, toymakers stamped tin into shapes of soldiers, boats, trains, cars and even animals -- like this fox. 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.