Category:World War Two
November 1939: Dinky Toys "Mechanised Units" advert [image info]
November 1939: Dinky Toys, outbreak of war [image info]
December 1939: Lott's "Christmas Parade" advert [image info]
The Second World War arguably marked the end of a Golden Age of distinctly British toymaking, which had flourished though the 1920s and 1930s. WW1 had broken the previous German dominance of metal toy manufacturing and encouraged British manufacturers (and prospective manufacturers) to move from wood to metal as a material, which created greater opportunities for finishes, mechanisms and mass production, and the industry showed practically year-on-year innovation between the wars. This was cruelly cut short in 1939 with the outbreak of World War Two, resulting in the slowdown and then cessation of all toy production as manufacturing industry was switched to war work.
With the War looming, 1939 saw a notable increase in the number of military toys and models, mainly tanks, armoured vehicles and fighter planes. Advertising in 39-40 began to emphasise the usefulness of toys and construction kits as a "blackout hobby" to keep children occupied during the long blackout nights.
As the War progressed, toy manufacturers kept advertising, even though they currently had nothing to sell, and in 1945 these adverts started to be more optimistic, promising that production would start really soon.
Post-war
In the event, WW2 was followed by the Korean War. Korea had been liberated from the Japanese, and (like Germany) partitioned, with Russia taking nominal control over the North, and the allies controlling the South. The American determination that Korea wouldn't "go communist" led to a brutal suppression of suppression of groups with communist sympathies, including many of the anti-Japanese freedom fighters, who fled to the North. This created a highly polarised region that still conflict-ridden. Britain still had National Service and metal shortages after WW2, and the toy industry didn't get back onto its feet until the 1950s, after which technology had moved on, plastics were becoming dominant, and many existing toymakers found themselves with out-of-date skills, trying to compete with cheap internationally-manufactured plastic, and a new business environment where toy companies were being bought up not just by their national competitors, but by international corporations, some of whom were not even toy manufacturers, but were looking to diversify form other markets (such as breakfast cereals).
External links
- Battle of Britain: Model Squadron (channel4.com) – recreation of episodes from the Battle of Britain using models
Subcategories
This category has the following 16 subcategories, out of 16 total.
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B
C
E
H
J
M
S
T
V
W
Pages in category ‘World War Two’
The following 32 pages are in this category, out of 32 total.
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F
M
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Media in category ‘World War Two’
The following 200 files are in this category, out of 630 total.
(previous page) (next page)- 00-gauge layout, night, Märklin, Leipziger Messe 1939 (MarklinCat 1939).jpg 3,200 × 2,176; 5.72 MB
- 18-Pounder Quick-Firing Field Gun Unit, Dinky Toys 162 (HamleyCat 1939).jpg 2,181 × 761; 603 KB
- AA Scouts (assorted), Britains Farm 578 (BritCat 1940).jpg 694 × 717; 83 KB
- AA Sign, Crawley, Britains Farm 579 (BritCat 1940).jpg 662 × 1,159; 64 KB
- AA Sign, School, Britains Farm 579 (BritCat 1940).jpg 618 × 1,098; 59 KB
- Ad Bassett-Lowke MM Aug1939.jpg 581 × 762; 116 KB
- Aged Villager, Man, sitting, Britains Farm 555 (BritCat 1940).jpg 716 × 588; 50 KB
- Aged Villager, Woman, sitting, Britains Farm 556 (BritCat 1940).jpg 725 × 619; 62 KB
- Airfix Construction Kits (Hobbies 1961).jpg 1,223 × 1,600; 755 KB
- Alfa-Romeo-Rennwagen - Racing Car, Märklin 5521-14 (MarklinCat 1939).jpg 948 × 604; 222 KB
- American Bison, Britains Zoo No935 (BritCat 1940).jpg 1,309 × 1,433; 301 KB
- Angry Ganders, Britains Farm 519 (BritCat 1940).jpg 451 × 385; 37 KB
- Anvil, Britains Farm 651 (BritCat 1940).jpg 414 × 413; 41 KB
- Area 71.jpg 800 × 799; 403 KB
- Army Set models, Meccano (MBoM4 1978).jpg 1,200 × 834; 882 KB
- Assortment of Farm Animals, Britains Farm 655 (BritCat 1940).jpg 1,305 × 906; 162 KB
- Assortment of Farm Animals, Britains Farm 664 (BritCat 1940).jpg 1,192 × 973; 129 KB
- Assortment of Farm People, Britains Farm 657 (BritCat 1940).jpg 921 × 939; 129 KB
- Assortment of larger Farm Animals, Britains Farm 656 (BritCat 1940).jpg 1,157 × 966; 138 KB
- Assortment of smaller Farm Animals, Britains Farm 658 (BritCat 1940).jpg 1,300 × 1,024; 155 KB
- Astra anti-aircraft station ad (1939-08).jpg 746 × 973; 193 KB
- Astra Pharos quarter-mile beam searchlight ad 1939.jpg 558 × 738; 160 KB
- Astra Pom-Pom Gun, box lid.jpg 2,400 × 1,037; 642 KB
- Auto-Union-Rennwagen - Racing Car, Märklin 5521-12 (MarklinCat 1939).jpg 909 × 622; 213 KB
- Auto-Union-Rennwagen - Racing Car, Märklin 5521-16 (MarklinCat 1939).jpg 1,160 × 844; 359 KB
- Auto-Union-Rennwagen - Racing Car, Märklin 5521-2 (MarklinCat 1939).jpg 982 × 691; 233 KB
- Auto-Union-Rennwagen - Racing Car, Märklin 5521-62 (MarklinCat 1939).jpg 1,064 × 687; 281 KB
- Baby Camel, Britains Zoo No943 (BritCat 1940).jpg 857 × 605; 60 KB
- Baby Elephant, Britains Zoo No944 (BritCat 1940).jpg 945 × 521; 57 KB
- Baby Hippopotamus, Britains Zoo No940 (BritCat 1940).jpg 1,316 × 985; 185 KB
- Baby Kangaroo or Wallaby, Britains Zoo No950 (BritCat 1940).jpg 1,310 × 841; 115 KB
- Baby Pandas, Britains Zoo No970 (BritCat 1940).jpg 1,085 × 821; 91 KB
- Baby Rhinoceros, Britains Zoo No951 (BritCat 1940).jpg 1,278 × 708; 111 KB
- Bactrian Camel with Boy Rider, Britains Zoo No953 (BritCat 1940).jpg 1,283 × 1,327; 194 KB
- Bactrian Camel, Britains Zoo No918 (BritCat 1940).jpg 1,297 × 1,349; 255 KB
- Badewannen - Bath, Märklin 8618 (MarklinCat 1939).jpg 1,478 × 1,642; 470 KB
- Baggage Car - Gepackwägen, DR, Märklin 354 354B 354J 354JB (MarklinCat 1939).jpg 2,129 × 1,249; 874 KB
- Baggerwerke - Excavator, Märklin 4316 (MarklinCat 1939).jpg 1,136 × 1,435; 468 KB
- Bailey Bridge model, 1-6-scale (Bassett-Lowke, WW2).jpg 1,200 × 1,011; 234 KB
- Balancier-Dampfmaschine, model, Märklin Minex (MarklinCat 1939).jpg 2,074 × 1,391; 977 KB
- Balsa Raft,WW2, LNER (ICNBR 1945).jpg 2,000 × 1,371; 587 KB
- Bananenwagen - Banana Wagon, Fyffes, Märklin 1682 (MarklinCat 1939).jpg 1,170 × 965; 633 KB
- Bananenwagen - Banana Wagon, Fyffes, Märklin 1792 (MarklinCat 1939).jpg 1,578 × 1,041; 707 KB
- Bandsäge - Band Saw, Märklin 4256 (MarklinCat 1939).jpg 1,341 × 1,243; 413 KB
- Barn, Mansard Type, Britains Farm 103F (BritCat 1940).jpg 1,600 × 1,408; 307 KB
- Bassett-Lowke stand, British Industries Fair 1939.jpg 993 × 1,200; 229 KB
- Bassett-Lowke WW2 advert (MRH12ed 1942).jpg 1,032 × 1,600; 333 KB
- Bear Cubs, Britains Zoo No936 (BritCat 1940).jpg 1,287 × 817; 133 KB
- Bedeckter Güterwagen - Closed Goods Van, Märklin 1791 (MarklinCat 1939).jpg 1,562 × 1,021; 692 KB
- Bedeckter Güterwagen - Closed Goods Wagon, Märklin 1781 (MarklinCat 1939).jpg 1,418 × 1,069; 686 KB
- Bedeckter Güterwagen - Closed Goods Wagon, Märklin 1856 (MarklinCat 1939).jpg 1,857 × 1,074; 768 KB
- Black Rock Pool (BrightonHbk 1939).jpg 1,200 × 821; 890 KB
- Black Rock Pool, diving board (BrightonHbk 1939).jpg 1,200 × 809; 877 KB
- Blacksmith with Anvil, Britains Farm 589 (BritCat 1940).jpg 593 × 735; 69 KB
- Blacksmith, Britains Farm 650 (BritCat 1940).jpg 637 × 680; 51 KB
- Blauer Vogel - Bluebird Speed Record Car, Märklin 5521-18 (MarklinCat 1939).jpg 1,174 × 667; 319 KB
- Bohrmaschine - Drill Station, Märklin 4264 (MarklinCat 1939).jpg 1,393 × 1,513; 423 KB
- Boy on Shetland Pony, Britains Farm 600 (BritCat 1940).jpg 549 × 665; 69 KB
- Boy or Girl for Howdah, Britains Zoo No939 (BritCat 1940).jpg 1,313 × 837; 134 KB
- Braunkohlenstaubwagen - Brown Coal Dust Wagon, Märklin 1775 (MarklinCat 1939).jpg 1,538 × 1,092; 737 KB
- Bretterwagen - Timber Wagon, Märklin 1966 (MarklinCat 1939).jpg 1,353 × 928; 590 KB
- Brighton Belle Pullman with George IV, cover art, Aubrey Hammond (BrightonHbk 1939).jpg 2,500 × 1,522; 2.41 MB
- Brighton Bus services (BrightonHbk 1939).jpg 2,319 × 3,000; 5.84 MB
- Brighton Tram services (BrightonHbk 1939).jpg 2,500 × 932; 1.8 MB
- Britain's Mechanised Army (MLtdCat 1939).jpg 1,200 × 791; 212 KB
- Britains Circus Set 1442 6pc (BritCat 1940).jpg 1,505 × 929; 146 KB
- Britains Circus Set 1443 10pc (BritCat 1940).jpg 1,533 × 1,200; 228 KB
- Britains Circus Set 1444 14pc (BritCat 1940).jpg 1,522 × 1,456; 231 KB
- Britains Circus Set 1539 23pc (BritCat 1940).jpg 1,509 × 1,689; 299 KB
- Britains Farm, Set 36F (BritCat 1940).jpg 1,897 × 682; 130 KB
- Britains Farm, Set 38F (BritCat 1940).jpg 1,867 × 983; 227 KB
- Britains Farm, Set 39F (BritCat 1940).jpg 1,869 × 1,154; 276 KB
- Britains Farm, Set 53F (BritCat 1940).jpg 1,587 × 666; 164 KB
- Britains Farm, Set 55F (BritCat 1940).jpg 1,845 × 993; 258 KB
- Britains Farm, Set 62F (BritCat 1940).jpg 1,889 × 1,305; 336 KB
- Britains logo (BritCat 1940).jpg 1,416 × 322; 75 KB
- Britains Mammoth Circus, retailers showcard No9 (Britains 1958-01).jpg 1,800 × 536; 248 KB
- Britains Mammoth Circus, showcard 10 (BritCat 1940).jpg 1,533 × 503; 141 KB
- Britains Model Home Farm, set 1F (BritCat 1940).jpg 1,308 × 1,132; 371 KB
- Britains Model Home Farm, set 2F (BritCat 1940).jpg 1,380 × 1,334; 422 KB
- Britains Model Home Farm, set 3F (BritCat 1940).jpg 2,205 × 1,237; 578 KB
- Britains Zoo, retailers showcard No2 (Britains 1958-01).jpg 1,206 × 699; 170 KB
- Britains Zoological Series heading (Britains 1940).jpg 800 × 451; 46 KB
- Britains Zoological Series, showcard 8 (BritCat 1940).jpg 949 × 641; 105 KB
- Brown Bear, Britains Zoo 934 (BritCat 1940).jpg 1,305 × 1,113; 212 KB
- Bull, Britains Farm 573 (BritCat 1940).jpg 781 × 616; 92 KB
- Buttermaschine - Butter Churn, Märklin 4365 (MarklinCat 1939).jpg 1,053 × 1,143; 404 KB
- Cabriolet Car (Adler), Märklin 5521-51 (MarklinCat 1939).jpg 1,040 × 754; 351 KB
- Cabriolet Car (Horch), Märklin 5521-8-L (MarklinCat 1939).jpg 1,217 × 848; 437 KB
- Cabriolet Car, clockwork, Märklin 5522-4 (MarklinCat 1939).jpg 936 × 771; 266 KB
- Cabriolet Car, Märklin 5521-4 (MarklinCat 1939).jpg 974 × 705; 317 KB
- Calves (assorted colours), Britains Farm 509 (BritCat 1940).jpg 631 × 491; 42 KB
- Carters with Whip, Britains Farm 505 (BritCat 1940).jpg 473 × 609; 49 KB
- Cat, Britains Farm 604 (BritCat 1940).jpg 410 × 444; 30 KB
- Cedar Trees, Britains Farm 522 (BritCat 1940).jpg 1,104 × 1,267; 203 KB
- Chicken House and Run, Britains Farm 102F (BritCat 1940).jpg 1,200 × 674; 117 KB
- Chicks (assorted positions), Britains Farm 550 (BritCat 1940).jpg 716 × 523; 41 KB
- Chimpanzee, Britains Zoo No915 (BritCat 1940).jpg 1,305 × 957; 182 KB
- Choralkreisel - Humming Top, Märklin 8996-12 (MarklinCat 1939).jpg 1,460 × 754; 515 KB
- Churchill Square area before redevelopment, 1939 map (BrightonHbk 1939).jpg 1,199 × 1,200; 770 KB
- CIWL Dining Car - Speisewagen, Marklin 352J (MärklinCat 1939).jpg 2,033 × 670; 690 KB
- CIWL Schlafwagen - Sleeping Car, Märklin 1757 (MarklinCat 1939).jpg 1,630 × 990; 622 KB
- CIWL Speisewagen - Dining Car, Märklin 1756 (MarklinCat 1939).jpg 1,616 × 960; 601 KB
- Clown (Boxing), Britains Circus 447 (BritCat 1940).jpg 560 × 784; 37 KB
- Clown with Hoop, Britains Circus 354 (BritCat 1940).jpg 645 × 997; 64 KB
- Clown, Standing, Britains Circus 358 (BritCat 1940).jpg 628 × 809; 51 KB
- Cob, Britains Farm 550 (BritCat 1940).jpg 716 × 673; 62 KB
- Coconut Palm Tree, Britains Zoo No919 (BritCat 1940).jpg 1,306 × 2,016; 310 KB
- Cold Frame, Britains Farm 675 (BritCat 1940).jpg 1,053 × 766; 150 KB
- Colts (Shire), Britains Farm 507 (BritCat 1940).jpg 491 × 617; 47 KB
- Combat Set models, Meccano (MBoM4 1978).jpg 1,200 × 844; 888 KB
- Commando Battle Waggon, Wilsons Lorries (MM 1943-12).jpg 1,450 × 2,156; 2.35 MB
- Country Clergyman, Britains Farm 593 (BritCat 1940).jpg 517 × 675; 56 KB
- Country Cottage, Britains Farm 44F (BritCat 1940).jpg 2,236 × 2,209; 762 KB
- Covered Wagon - Planewagen, Märklin 363 (MarklinCat 1939).jpg 824 × 821; 318 KB
- Cowboy with Lasso, Britains Circus 356 (BritCat 1940).jpg 701 × 813; 47 KB
- Cows (assorted colours), Britains Farm 508 (BritCat 1940).jpg 707 × 627; 78 KB
- Cows, feeding, Britains Farm 539 (BritCat 1940).jpg 718 × 551; 69 KB
- Crane Wagon - Kranwagen, Märklin 366N (MarklinCat 1939).jpg 864 × 854; 219 KB
- Crazy Paving, Britains Farm 668 (BritCat 1940).jpg 613 × 747; 63 KB
- Crossley Lorry, 1-12-scale (Bassett-Lowke, WW2).jpg 1,200 × 920; 205 KB
- Curate, Britains Farm 592 (BritCat 1940).jpg 462 × 592; 47 KB
- Daimler saloon, Minic 46M, 1939.jpg 531 × 395; 41 KB
- Dairyman with Yoke and Pails, Britains Farm 591 (BritCat 1940).jpg 719 × 713; 69 KB
- Dekupiersäge - Scroll Saw, Märklin 4271 (MarklinCat 1939).jpg 1,442 × 1,177; 468 KB
- Deutsche Reichspost (DRP) Postwagen - Mail Van, Märklin 1726-PO (MarklinCat 1939).jpg 1,216 × 1,031; 561 KB
- Dinky 101 Dining Room Furniture (1939 catalogue).jpg 779 × 595; 73 KB
- Dinky 102 Bedroom Furniture (1939 catalogue).jpg 775 × 750; 91 KB
- Dinky 104 Bathroom Furniture (1939 catalogue).jpg 753 × 688; 91 KB
- Dinky Toys Army Vehicles (MM 1949-07).jpg 1,648 × 2,200; 2.18 MB
- Dinky Toys Mechanised Units (MM 1939-11).jpg 1,184 × 1,600; 683 KB
- Dinky Toys Revised Prices (MM 1939-11).jpg 1,600 × 509; 477 KB
- Dog for kennel, lying, Britains Farm 569 (BritCat 1940).jpg 409 × 506; 40 KB
- Dog for kennel, sitting, Britains Farm 569 (BritCat 1940).jpg 425 × 545; 40 KB
- Dog Kennel with Baseboard, Britains Farm 570 (BritCat 1940).jpg 653 × 640; 104 KB
- Dog Kennel, Britains Farm 569 (BritCat 1940).jpg 643 × 516; 72 KB
- Dog, begging, Britains Farm 637 (BritCat 1940).jpg 390 × 465; 29 KB
- Dog, St Bernard, Britains Farm 576 (BritCat 1940).jpg 478 × 506; 47 KB
- Dogs (assorted colours), Britains Farm 513 (BritCat 1940).jpg 624 × 499; 40 KB
- Dolls Hospital Outfit, Lotts (HamleyCat 1939).jpg 1,786 × 1,163; 600 KB
- Don't Say Zoo, Say Britains Zoo (Britains 1940).jpg 1,200 × 820; 233 KB
- Donkey, Britains Farm 552 (BritCat 1940).jpg 530 × 492; 38 KB
- Dove Cote, Britains Farm 575 (BritCat 1940).jpg 681 × 1,010; 49 KB
- Drehbank - Lathe, Märklin 4261 (MarklinCat 1939).jpg 1,106 × 1,122; 436 KB
- Ducks, Britains Farm 533 (BritCat 1940).jpg 358 × 397; 18 KB
- Eland Bull, Britains Zoo No933 (BritCat 1940).jpg 1,305 × 1,357; 245 KB
- Elektrischer Kochherd - Electric Cooker, Märklin El-9619-2 (MarklinCat 1939).jpg 1,955 × 2,404; 1.93 MB
- Elektromotor - Electric Motor, Märklin Minex 0301 (MarklinCat 1939).jpg 888 × 989; 316 KB
- Elektromotor-Garnitur - Electric Motor Set, Märklin Minex 0301 G (MarklinCat 1939).jpg 1,133 × 1,077; 557 KB
- Elephant (Performing, without Tub), Britains Circus 450 (BritCat 1940).jpg 801 × 1,109; 78 KB
- Elephant, Britains Circus 359 (BritCat 1940).jpg 684 × 845; 65 KB
- Elm Trees, Britains Farm 523 (BritCat 1940).jpg 901 × 1,452; 190 KB
- Equestrienne, Britains Circus 355 (BritCat 1940).jpg 601 × 797; 42 KB
- Esso Petrol Wagon - Kesselwagen, Märklin 374St (MarklinCat 1939).jpg 942 × 863; 335 KB
- Fallen Trees, Britains Farm 525 (BritCat 1940).jpg 877 × 589; 49 KB
- Farbenkreisel - Colour Spinners, Märklin 9077 (MarklinCat 1939).jpg 1,651 × 765; 516 KB
- Farbenkreisel - Colour Wheel, Märklin 9078 (MarklinCat 1939).jpg 834 × 1,133; 487 KB
- Farbenspiel-Betriebsmodell - Colour-Wheel, Märklin 4361 (MarklinCat 1939).jpg 1,222 × 1,198; 456 KB
- Farm Assortment, Britains Farm 72F (BritCat 1940).jpg 1,250 × 955; 153 KB
- Farm Assortment, Britains Farm 73F (BritCat 1940).jpg 1,436 × 938; 159 KB
- Farm Assortment, Britains Farm 77F (BritCat 1940).jpg 1,485 × 1,086; 227 KB
- Farm Buildings set, view05 (Hugar for Britains).jpg 3,000 × 1,833; 874 KB
- Farm Buildings set, view06 (Hugar for Britains).jpg 3,000 × 1,812; 862 KB
- Farm Cart and Horse, Britains Farm 40F (BritCat 1940).jpg 1,043 × 800; 104 KB
- Farm Hand, sitting, Britains Farm 560 (BritCat 1940).jpg 1,056 × 674; 65 KB
- Farm Set, Britains Farm 17F (BritCat 1940).jpg 1,657 × 1,122; 223 KB
- Farm Waggon, Britains Farm 5F (BritCat 1940).jpg 1,961 × 1,014; 315 KB
- Farmers Daughter, sitting, Britains Farm 561 (BritCat 1940).jpg 902 × 609; 52 KB
- Farmers Gig, Britains Farm 20F (BritCat 1940).jpg 1,437 × 881; 183 KB
- Farmers Son, sitting, Britains Farm 554 (BritCat 1940).jpg 717 × 663; 58 KB
- Farmers Wives with Umbrella, Britains Farm 503 (BritCat 1940).jpg 742 × 603; 58 KB
- Farmers, Britains Farm 501 (BritCat 1940).jpg 511 × 579; 43 KB
- Farmhouse, Britains Farm 94F (BritCat 1940).jpg 1,600 × 1,287; 313 KB
- Feldküche - Field Kitchen Trailer, Märklin 8021-55 (MarklinCat 1939).jpg 750 × 837; 213 KB
- Feldküche - Field Kitchen Truck, Märklin 8021-15-G (MarklinCat 1939).jpg 1,397 × 993; 435 KB
- Fencing with Gate, Britains Farm 30F (BritCat 1940).jpg 2,187 × 1,484; 442 KB
- Fencing, Britains Farm 672 (BritCat 1940).jpg 1,547 × 1,252; 256 KB
- Feuerwehrleiter - Fire Engine, Märklin 5521-35 (MarklinCat 1939).jpg 1,151 × 902; 471 KB
- Field Hayrack, Britains Farm 566 (BritCat 1940).jpg 757 × 577; 72 KB
- Field Horse, Britains Farm 648 (BritCat 1940).jpg 852 × 734; 100 KB
- Field Horse, Britains Farm 649 (BritCat 1940).jpg 837 × 725; 100 KB
- Fir Trees, Britains Farm 524 (BritCat 1940).jpg 810 × 1,285; 110 KB
- Fire Engine, Minic 62M (1939).jpg 642 × 425; 52 KB
- Five-Barred Gate (large), Britains Farm 630 (BritCat 1940).jpg 809 × 645; 71 KB
- Five-Barred Gate (small), Britains Farm 630 (BritCat 1940).jpg 650 × 613; 54 KB