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This metal X-70 robot is a tin toy manufactured in Japan for export to Western markets. In the 1950s and 1960s, its maker, Nomura, specialized in producing robot-themed metal toys, including several versions of an unlicensed "Robby" robot based on the popular robot character from the film "Forbidden Planet" (MGM, 1956). In post-WWII Japan, producing metal toys began as a way to tap into an international market for "penny toys" or cheap playthings, but developed by the late 1950s into a industry manufacturing creatively-designed, complex toys with moving parts and lights that competed successfully with Western toymakers. This X-70 toy reflects the Japanese fad for robots.

The Gewirz family donated this toy to the Museum in 2006.

Display Status

This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.

Object Details

Country of Origin

Japan

Type

MEMORABILIA-Popular Culture

Manufacturer

Nomura Toy, Japan

Dimensions

3-D: 14 x 10.2 x 31.1cm (5 1/2 x 4 x 12 1/4 in.)

Materials

Steel, brass, plastic, paint, natural rubber

Inventory Number

A20070084000

Credit Line

Gift of the Carl and Nancy Gewirz Fund Inc..

Data Source

National Air and Space Museum

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