Critter

This clockwork toy was bought in New York back in the 1990s, and it is called Critter (meaning creature). There was very little packaging - it was sold in a brown paper bag, with the word Critter printed on the outside. Designed in South America, this toy has been copied many times since, but we believe that this was the original.

Inside the bag is a little clockwork motor, which balances on 4 very long wire legs. Wind up the motor and set Critter going, and it dances around the table. As the motor runs, it causes a small weight to rotate, which is slightly off centre, and this gives the vibration that causes the toy to move.