Trying to recollect a fencing toy ...

[Tony Wolf]

The item I'm thinking of is a "desk toy" that features two small wooden figures, possibly outfitted as gentlemen of the 1700s, each holding a smallsword. They are balanced at either end of a see-saw/teetering platform, cleverly weighted and hinged so that when the end of the platform is depressed and then released, the platform rocks back and forth and the figures appear to fence with each other.

Does this ring any bells? I'm certain that I've seen this toy somewhere within the past five years or so, but I haven't been able to track it down online.

Tony

[Phil C]

Quite common as tinplate reproductions in home furnishing catalogues here. Not sure if it helps any but the last one I saw was in Mark Donnelly's living room, it may have crossed the pond with him.

[Tony Wolf]

Thanks, Phil. Unfortunately I still haven't been able to find these things online, even with the addition of "tinplate", "home furnishings" etc. as search terms.

Any other clues will be gratefully received.

[John H]

in avoiding work I thought I'd look. I started by googling "antique fencing toy' and about a page or so down on the images was a picture of Maestro Martinez...that made my day!

is this what you are looking for?
http://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/f ... motion-toy

[Tony Wolf]

That's it - thanks.