item details
NameToy farmyard set
ProductionBritains; manufacturer(s); 1950 - 1960; England
Classificationtoys
Materialslead, paint
Registration NumberGH024797/1-39
Credit lineGift of Dayle Elizabeth Cosmos, 2016
Overview
This farmyard set belonged to Dayle Cosmos (née Foley) who played with them when she was a child in the 1950s. They are typical of the type of cast lead toy figurines enjoyed by many New Zealand children, and they were a particular favourite of Dayle. Most were given to her by her brother Brian, who usually gave one or two at birthdays and Christmas.
The set was cherished by Dayle but also played with by Dayle's children. By the time Dayle's grandchildren came along - the harmful effects of lead were well-known and the set was kept out of reach.
The toy manufacturer who made this set, Britains Ltd., were well-known for their toy soldiers but during the 1950s they switched to farmyard sets. Toy soldiers had suddenly become very unpopular, and a campaign to ban or boycott war toys was actively supported by many New Zealanders.