The Toy Museum of Catalonia

The tin procession

Tin procession made by Heinrichsen in 1880. The small size of the figures stands out. Photo by MJC. The Toy Museum of Catalonia. Figueres.

 

Tin procession made by Heinrichsen in 1880. The small size of the figures stands out. Photo by MJC. The Toy Museum of Catalonia. Figueres.

 

The procession, made of tin by the German smelter and engraver Ernst Heinrichsen, dates from 1880. Heinrichsen's company was a leading specialist in the industry between 1839 and 1945.

The expansion of lead and tin toys came about during the 18th and 19th centuries. The metal is melted in moulds, usually made of black stone, and they are given a flat or thicker shape depending on the depth of the mould.

Besides tin soldiers, smelters produced a wide range of furniture, vehicles and scenes depicting everyday life for many people.

scroll to top icon