The Space Race between the USA and USSR was the most intensive scientific competition of the twentieth century, and its indirect effects were perceivable even in the toy industry.
The following photos will show you 17 awesome, funny and sometimes clumsy toys from the 1950s to the early ’80s, including when the Soviets thought they could put man on the Moon sooner than the United States.
Battery operated Apollo space capsule. Made in Japan.
Battery operated space scooter. Made in Japan.
Friction Moon rocket. Made in Hungary.
Friction Moon rocket — Intercosmos edition. Made in Hungary.
Wind up Moon lander. Made in the USSR.
Battery operated Moon car. Made in the USSR.
Battery operated planet cruiser. Made in China.
Friction Moonship. Made in China.
Friction Rocket Express. Made in China.
Wind up Moon car. Made in the USSR.
Battery operated Apollo 11 space rocket. Made in Hong Kong.
Battery operated Apollo-X space rocket. Made in Japan.
Battery operated space cameraman. Made in China.
Battery operated Intercosmos Moon car. Made in Hungary.
Battery operated Intercosmos Moon car. Made in Hungary.
Battery operated Space boat. Made in China.
Battery operated Space tank. Made in China.
Pictures: Attila Nagy