Leverage toys can be traced back to the puppets that were used in the shadow theatres of the Far East.
Bears, pigs, monkeys and deer on sticks were all popular toys. They would have been bought at fairs, from markets or from itinerant pedlars
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.
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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