Old toys

The origin of toys dates back to prehistoric times, in fact dolls representing infants, animals, and soldiers, as well as copies of tools used by adults are often found at archaeological sites.

The theme for the 2015 Europa stamp issue is ‘Old Toys’ and when considering how best to portray this subject through a series of stamps, we decided to focus on toys of the British Royal Family.

Working with talented illustrator Robin Carter, we have produced a beautiful stamp series featuring some much-loved toys of Royal children through the decades - it includes some remarkable small dolls Princess Victoria made before becoming Queen.

U.S. President Barack Obama sent Prince William and Kate Middleton a custom-made rocking horse for their adorable baby boy in 2013. The gift came with a saddle bearing the presidential seal and a toy polo mallet. The wooden toy was partly made from a branch of an oak tree which once stood on the South Lawn of the White House.