Vintage Clown wooden pull toy by kiddicraft

Vintage Clown wooden pull toy by kiddicraft 1950s , pull along wooden clown toy. Possibly designed by William Singleton who was a very respected toy maker and designer. This item is a great decorative item. The clown has an amazing happy face. There are a few minor play marks - obviously very loved! 25 cm tall 15 cm wide at bottom

Kiddicraft, founded by Harry Fisher Page in 1932, was a British toymaker known for its "Self-Locking Building Bricks," a predecessor to the LEGO brick. Page, a pioneer in using plastics for toys, designed these bricks, which were a key influence on the LEGO Group's early interlocking bricks. Kiddicraft's toys, particularly the "Sensible Toys" line, emphasized safety and educational value, with a focus on plastics as a hygienic and versatile material.

Here's a more detailed look at Kiddicraft's history:

Early Days:

Harry Fisher Page, along with partners, established Kiddicraft in 1932, initially importing wooden toys.

Shift to Plastics:

Page, unhappy with wood, became an early adopter of plastics for toys, recognizing their safety and hygienic properties.

"Sensible Toys" and Patents:

Kiddicraft's "Sensible Toys" line, including the interlocking building bricks, were introduced using injection molding technology. Page patented his building blocks, with designs featuring hollow bricks and studs.

Influence on LEGO:

Kiddicraft's "Self-Locking Building Bricks" were a direct influence on the LEGO Group's early "Automatic Binding Bricks," with some even claiming LEGO directly copied the design.

Post-Patent Era:

After the LEGO Group's patent expired, other companies, like Mega Bloks and KRE-O, entered the market with their own versions of interlocking bricks.

Company Changes:

Kiddicraft was later acquired by Hestair and then by Fisher-Price, which eventually dropped the Kiddicraft brand in the mid-1990s.