Rare BritainsToy - The Mechanical Foot Race c.1880 Start Price GBP 0.99 Current Price GBP 898.55 Time Left - Bid Count 16 Buy It Now Price - Reserve Price - Start Time Thursday, November 13, 2008 End Time Sunday, November 23, 2008 Location Devon See more about 'Rare BritainsToy - The Mechanical Foot Race c.1880' Description Rare Britains Toy - 'The Mechanical Foot Race' c.1880 This is an amazing Britains Toy, probably the rarest and earliest Britains toy to appear on Ebay. This is probably the first toy produced by William Britain in around 1880, before they started making lead soldiers. The toy is called 'The Automatic Foot Race or 'Mechanical Foot Race' and consists of two mechanical articulated figures which run around a centre clockwork unit. this is an extremely impressive sized toy, the clockwork mechanism stands on a solid lead circular base, which is around 7 inches in diameter, or 18 cms. across. the whole unit with the top finial measures 13 inches, or 32 cms. The base has a triangular inner frame work, which holds a gearing system, and a large clockwork spring. when this works, the gearing turns two long extending poles which would be attached to the heads of the two racing men. There is a round tinplate drum which goes over the centre mechanism and sits on the lead base, which has a paper covering showing people watching the foot race, from various pictured windows. the top finial is made of lead, and painted cream and red. The two wire arms measure different lengths, the longest is 11 and a half inches, or 29 cms., the other one is slightly shorter. this allows the two men to go around together, and fit into the top of each man's head. The two incredibly complex men have lead hands,lead legs below the knee, and lead heads. Each head is beautifully painted with different expressions and different moustaches! One figure is in complete good working condition, we think he has probably been redressed some years ago. The other figure has no clothes left, but you can see the complex articulated workings which allow the legs to move up and down. they are incredibly crafted. one of his arms are loose.The bodies have cardboard to make them more three dimensional, and the cardboard is a little squashed on this figure, he really needs some work. This toy seems some restoration. The clockwork spring is broken where it attaches to the centre pin. The kiosk/tent roof is missing, and there is no flag on the top of the unit.A good colour illustration of this toy can be seen in Britians Civilian Toy Figure Book, published by Schiffer. There are probably only a few of these toys left in the world, and for a toy made in 1880, to have survived all these years, is remarkable. This toy needs to go to somebody who will bring it back to its original glory! We charge postage strictly at cost by the Post Office, with a packing charge of between 50 pence and £1. depending on size and complexity of parcel. All items are sent using good quality strong boxes, with clean tissue, bubble wrap and chippings. We spend a lot of time ensuring your parcel will arrive safely, we often double pack. We are happy to combine items to save you postage, but please let us know before we pack! Personal cheques on U.K. Banks only please. Overseas buyers please pay by Paypal if possible, otherwise please pay in sterling. Please email if you have any problems.We are happy to answer all questions about condition, postage costs etc., if you email us in good time before the auction ends. Please note that we never close an auction early, so we do not respond to buyers who ask for ‘buy it now’ prices. Place a Bid!