European Toys

While we were in Zurich, we went to a toy museum. We found one sign directing us into a building and up the stairs. We walked up and up. And up and up and didn't see another sign. Just when we were about to go back down, Frank said he saw a rocking horse up ahead. I think it was on the fifth or sixth floor (just under the roof). Finally, we made it. It was just a small one room place (but, hey, it was free) and a little loft attic space.

There were some neat old toys. I especially like the tin ones. This toy sewing machine didn't quite get in focus. Most of the pictures I had to take with glass in front and no flash.

In the little loft space they had a display of Steif animals. Of course Anna liked the giant tiger the best. . .

. . . and the cat school.

This little miniature store was amazing.

I would love one of these Santas for my collection.

Isn't the filigree work on these miniatures great?

In the Royal Palace museum in Strasbourg, they had one gallery that was devoted to tin mechanical toys.

Could this be Frank riding a push scooter? Just kidding.

I love the lighting effect on this one.

While shopping in Bern, we found a toy store with lots of nice wooden toys. But it was very, very expensive. I loved these cows and would have liked to have one, but decided it probably wouldn't have a proper place in our home.
Wooden cheese, anyone?