Birdie Toy

The original of the Birdie Toy dates from the end of the 13th or the first half of the 14th century. It is an extraordinarily early example of a mass-produced toy. The bird is made up of two parts – the bird itself and an internal structure on which it pivots so that its tongue moves in and out of its mouth. Making tweeting noises while you play with it is optional.

The original of this item is broken off at the feet and it is impossible to know how one was supposed to hang onto it. It may have been attached to a stick so it looked like it was sitting on a branch; it may have had a handle of some sort. We have supplied a ring.