Wise words from Swiss toy designer Antonio Vitali

"A toy made by lovingly observant parents, be it naive or unsophisticated, is preferable to mass-produced merchandise. It was created for the specific needs of that child, known by the parents." Antonio Vitali

Antonio Vitali Playforms Toy Transportation Set Creative Playthings

Currently listed on ebay, this beautiful antonio vitali playforms set comes complete with box. Other Creative playforms Vitali sculptured toy figures illustrate the perimeter of the box.

Other creative playforms Vitali vehicle sets I have seen come with a covered truck and pilot in the aeroplane.

Antonio Vitali Family , Farm Animals

These beautiful Creative Playthings toys by Antonio Vitali above, sold on ebay for a little over $3000. I am curious to know whether these toys will form part of a personal or private collection or be scattered on the floor for some fortunate child to play with.

Over $2000 was realised for the sale of the Vitali vehicles and animals in the photo below.

Below is a lovely collection of 23 vintage wooden Vitali Figures. They sold for over $2500 on ebay.

Naef Swiss Wooden Dog Puppet

Quintessentia often have beautifully designed Swiss vintage toys available on their web page.  This Naef Swiss Wooden Dog Puppet is currently for sale at $220. The paintwork may not be original but was done by someone with a strong aesthetic sense. I think it looks great.

Vntage Wooden Toy Caterpillar & Swiss Naef Juba

My kids love playing with this vintage wooden toy caterpillar. When placed in the hand carved wooden cocoon like dish it looks ready for transformation. However, when it emerges from the cocoon it is has not transformed into a butterfly but remains a beautiful caterpillar.
The contrasting light and dark woods remind me of the wooden animals of Danish Kay Bojesen or the Schooline figures from Japan . The caterpillars movement and play potential bring to mind Naef's Juba by Xavier De Clippelier.

Above my beautiful wooden vintage toy. Below Switzerland's Naef Juba. Image © Naef Spiele AG 

Naef Spiel, Kurt Naef 1957

 This classic 1957 design by Kurt Naef is still produced by hand in Switzerland.

I love this set that shows off the natural grain. The design allows for open ended play opportunities

                                           

     Images ©Naef Spiele AG 

Schooline Poodle

Wooden Schooline poodle. Made in Japan.

The swing tag reads  - Over the years choice and finely worked woods become treasured possessions. The wood inlays and natural grain of this figure will acquire warmth and quality with handling.

Schooline Corporation, Hollywood, California
Stamped SCHOOLINE © 1958

I'd love some more information. If you have some please add a comment.