Toy kitchen equipment dates back at least to 18th century Germany. Kitchen sets became widespread in the 19th and 20th centuries. Such toys reflect the development of the notion of domesticity in Europe, North America and Australia. Toy kitchen equipment, like other household toys, was designed to familiarise young girls with the role of 'home-maker'.

The absence of enamelling and the simplicity of the implements suggests that it was a cheap example of this type of toy.

The style of the gas stove suggests this date range.

Donated by the National Trust's Museum of Australian Childhood by the Thyne Reid Foundation.

Toy stove and cooking implements (10), tin, maker unknown, Australia/ Britain, 1920-1940.
Toy upright gas stove with cooking accessories, made from tin and painted blue and black. The stove stands on four short legs. It features a raised platform with four gas rings. An upright back has provision for a plate rack. The oven door opens outward with embossed hinges and a metal handle. The stove is stamped with the words 'British Made'.
The implements are all stamped out of tin and consist of an oval meat tray, round platter, frypan, bowl with a makeshift wire handle, kettle with a blue tin lid and missing handle, colander, baking tray and rectangular blue tray.

Made: Great Britain; 1920 - 1940

Made: Australia; 1920 - 1940


Owned: National Trust of Australia;

Manufacturing details on stove door, embossed 'BRITISH MADE'.

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1920 - 1940