German Toys Made of Wood – Lack of Material Because of War

1918

Makers Forced to Use That Material Because Better Stuff Is Now Almost Unobtainable

The German toy industry is showing the effects of three years of war. Simplicity is the rule in toy shops at present. Wood, which formerly was used only for cheaper sorts of toys, is now the chief material employed. The manufacture of new dolls is becoming impossible through the lack of flour (used with cement in making the bodies). Wax, which is employed for the heads of the better class dolls, is almost unobtainable; the same is true of the stuffs and lace used for making dolls' shoes, hats, dresses, stockings, etc. These are obtainable only at prices four times higher than before the war, consequently the prices of toys are higher.

The simple, cheap toys that formerly could be bought in the stores or from street vendors for 10 pfennigs now cost 20 pfennigs or more. Jumping jacks of paper and cheap picture books no longer can be had except where old supplies are still in stock. Metal toys are few in number. The pretty toy trains and magic lanterns which used to be so common have been turned out only by those manufacturers who also were engaged in munitions work and so commanded supplies of the necessary materials.

Toys which were intended for export, but which could not be shipped owing to the war, made a welcome addition to the supply for home consumption, large quantities of the better class of toys thus being put at the service of the home dealer. Great difficulties stand in the way of conveyance from the maker to the large towns, and only after long delay do toys reach the retailer.