Daiya Tin Lithographed Windup ca. 1940’s “5-Piece Mechanical Monorail Train Set” in Box *SOLD*

Daiya Tin Lithographed Windup ca. 1940’s “5-Piece Mechanical Monorail Train Set” in Box 

This piece is a ca. 1940’s tin, lithographed, windup “5-Piece Mechanical Monorail Train Set” in box manufactured by Daiya of Tokyo, Japan.   

When wound with its dedicated key and switched on, this working little train travels forward. The black rubber tires are still intact, but as per usual with toys of this age, they may have petrified, discolored, warped, and/or cracked. We did not notice any issues with the tires. The box is in fair to good condition with tape on it and side splits.  

This piece is in great all original condition with no breaks, restorations, repairs, or touch-ups. This piece shows the usual patina, fading, dust, chips, scuffs, surface rust, dents, scratches, missing accessories, and wear that are to be expected from age and display. The whole train is approximately 17” L with the locomotive being approximately 4” L and each car is approximately 3” L. We invite you to view the photos to further determine quality and condition.  

A brief history of Daiya of Tokyo, Japan:  

Daiya was founded in the 1950s in Tokyo, Japan. Their trademark is the letters “DAIYA” within a diamond shape. Daiya appears to have been active from the mid to late 1950s through the early 1970s. After the 1970s, Daiya seems to have faded from the public view due to marketplace pressures. As such, their current disposition is unknown.  

Daiya specialized in a wide range of novelty tinplate mechanical (friction), clockwork, and battery-operated toys such as space-related toys (ray guns, robots, etc.), motorcycles, clown-like figures, civilian vehicles, military vehicles, helicopters, airplanes, and horses. Many of their toys were produced with impressive multi-functional features such as operating lights and sounds etc.