BALANCE TOYS

Balancing toys were popular in the 19th century. Dating back to ancient China and India, where they were most often carved from soft wood, the western balancing toys were traditionally made from tin or metal. Illustrations of balancing toys can be found in educational literature from the 18th century. The physics governing the movement of such toys intrigued and amazed people. Balance toys came in various forms, and our particular shape is traditionally called a skyhook.