DBS Educated Monkey – Vintage Tin Multiplication Toy
Step back into the fascinating world of early mechanical learning toys with this charming DBS Educated Monkey. First introduced as a clever calculation aid in 1908, this unusual piece combines playful design with a surprisingly ingenious mathematical mechanism.
Place the monkey’s feet over the desired numbers, and its hands reveal the calculated answer. The clever little character can demonstrate multiplication up to 12 times, turning basic arithmetic into an entertaining hands-on activity.
Its unusual concept often inspires the reaction, “That can't possibly work!” — until the mechanism proves otherwise. This combination of educational purpose, mechanical ingenuity and whimsical tin-toy design makes it especially appealing to collectors of vintage toys and historic calculating devices.
Produced by DBS – Düsseldorfer Blechspielwaren, this compact piece is an intriguing example of German tin-toy craftsmanship and early educational innovation.
Product Details:
Maker: DBS – Düsseldorfer Blechspielwaren
Style: Vintage mechanical educational toy
Function: Multiplication and division aid
Original concept: Dating back to 1908
Multiplication range: Up to 12
Material: Tin / metal construction
Dimensions: Approximately 14 × 15 × 1.5 cm
A wonderfully unusual German tin collectible, ideal for enthusiasts of vintage mechanical toys, educational toys, antique calculating devices, German tinware, retro mathematics memorabilia and historical curiosities.
