Brand record
Shanghai
Shanghai was a major Chinese manufacturer of tinplate mechanical and battery-operated toys during the 1950s–1970s. Known for their robust and often industrial-themed designs, these toys are now iconic representations of early Chinese toy production.
- Founded
- 1949
- Final year
- 1980
- Countries
- China
- Locations
- Shanghai, China
- Founders
- State owned
The story of Shanghai
In the post-war era, China began developing its own toy industry through state-owned factories, especially in cities like Shanghai. These factories produced tin toys with mechanical actions, often mimicking machinery, transportation, and space age themes.
Unlike Western toys focused on characters or vehicles, many Chinese-made toys like the Hydraulic Forging Press reflected industrial progress. Toys were often labeled in Chinese, sometimes with factory names or city references like “Made in Shanghai.”
The 1960s saw a rise in exports, and these toys are now rare and highly collectible, especially when they retain their original boxes. Their build quality, bright lithography, and unique themes make them standout pieces in vintage toy collections.
Collectors’ Corner
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