Novelty Bobbing Bird
Production date
Unknown
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Object detail
Description
Painted brown glass bird figure with arms that hook into yellow and red steel stand/ legs and feet. Yellow neck and body, with holes in the body. Painted red head, with glued on eyes and orange beak. Red tail feathers glued to round body. Brown glue marks on neck and body. General wear and tear on metal. Body rocks on stand.
Classification
TOYS General toy bird
Production date
Unknown
Measurements
L51 x W46 x H197 mm
Media/Materials description
Steel, glass, feather
History and use
The drinking bird (sometimes known as a ‘bobbing bird’ or ‘dippy bird’) has been sold in various forms, from a science experiment to a children’s toy, since the late 1940s. The design incorporates two glass bulbs connected by a tube (the neck) which is mounted to allow the body to bob forwards and back. The bird is positioned next to a glass of water. After being given an initial ‘drink’, the bobbing bird will repeatedly dip its beak into the glass. Though sold as a novelty item, the bird’s movement is driven by a complex thermodynamic reaction and older models contained toxic chemicals within the tube.
Uploaded to the Web 27 May 2011.
Uploaded to the Web 27 May 2011.
Associated person
Registration number
H22453
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