Tin toy service stations

I've always been attracted to these beautifully lithographed toys when I see them at flea markets. The Schucos from the 50s and 60s particular are pretty amazing! The varianto system was like a train set with cars. Check out the video of it in action.

Schuco Variante 3054 Service Station. These post-war German stations from Schuco were part of a whole system that included appropriately scaled cars and trucks.

Schuco Varianto 3055 Elektro Service Station. West German, 1960s via carters.com

Marx Nite & Day Service Station via ebay

Hoch & Beckmann, Shell gas station, W.-Germany, tin, functions ok, with gas pump & car lift via

Marx service center with sky-view parking

Arnold, big gas station Esso, W.-Germany, tin

Kitchens in miniature

Here are some really nice tin litho kitchen toys from the 50s and thereabouts. They look great hung on a wall or on a shelf next to your fabulous book collection. There are some awesome sets available on eBay and Etsy. I just broke down and bought the first one below. Sorry! Can't resist an orange kitchen.

70s Vintage Western Germany Toy Tin Kitchen Bauknecht made by Schopper via Etsy

Battery-operated tin kitchen. This one is a little beaten up, but when you turn the tap on, water flows and the gas burner "fires" up. via ebay

Joustra tin litho kitchen with loads of accessories via flickr

Another from the collection of Niralna on flickr

A few monkey toys

American Circus Monkeys Japanese toy I  bought on eBay a few years ago. — American Circus Monkeys Japanese toy I bought on eBay a few years ago.

Japanese tin scooters of the 50s

I don't own one of these though I always wanted to. They tend to be on the pricey side... Not ony do I love scooters, but the lithography on these is especially beautiful. I love the outfits on the figures! To see more, visit scootervintagetoy.blogspot.com.

Friction operated Baby scooter, Marusan Japan 1950. Girl sitting on the back, boy is driving. Size: 5.2 inch (13,4 cm). Via scootervintagetoy.blogspot.com — Friction operated Baby scooter, Marusan Japan 1950. Girl sitting on the back, boy is driving. Size: 5.2 inch (13,4 cm). Via scootervintagetoy.blogspot.com

A few of my tin toys

At various times in my life, I've become obsessed with collecting these gems from the early 20th century. Not only do they have wonderful and colorful lithography, but their actions can be quite clever.