History

Leverage toys can be traced back to the puppets that were used in the shadow theatres of the Far East.

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Bears, pigs, monkeys and deer on sticks were all popular toys.  They would have been bought at fairs, from markets or from itinerant pedlars

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In the early part of the last century the Monkey up a Stick was almost as well known as Mickey Mouse today.  He had a book and songs written about hime.  One song sheet even included the complete choreography for a dance routine for children.

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During the latter part of the Second World War, animated toys could be obtained from German and Italian prisoners for pocket money

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