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[Renee]

I bought this lot of tops on ebay because I wanted the B19.  It's a pretty random group.  The one I'm most curious about is the tiny Imperial Toy top.  It's about 1.5 in tall.  Does anyone know more about this little top?

I'm assuming the three small bullet shaped tops are whipping tops.  They have a finger size indentation in the top.  I need to find some info on how to wind and spin those. 

[Jeremy McCreary]

Nice haul, Renee! Does the metal one whistle or hum while it spins?

[Renee]

It hums softly when I throw it. Our kitchen floor is textured, so you can't hear the hum once it starts bouncing around. I tried throwing it into the saucer sled thinking the smooth surface would be quieter.  Unfortunately, the hollow metal body of the top, complete with sound holes, is an excellent resonator. It amplifies any vibration, kind of like a steel guitar.  I imagine it would hum louder, if I could spin it faster on a very smooth surface.

I found a listing of the tiny Imperial Toy top that said they were gumball machine prizes.  I haven't been able to verify that from any other sources, yet.

[ta0]

I am not familiar with the Imperial Toy tops.
Imperial Toy is a large toy company with many brands. A trademark for the current logo below, which is different to the one on your top, was applied on 2006.


The B19 and the Siren King, both from Chicago Scientific, can whistle fairly load but just for a few seconds after the boomerang. They have to spin pretty fast for that and it's quite difficult from regenerations. The Siren King has a tip much more conducive to trick play.

[Diz]

There is an Imperial mini top around here in storage. I think it was a carnival prize from the 1970s. If I find it I'll give it a try. I'll have to make a smaller string for it.

[cecil]

Don't waste your money. Just buy a LARGE SPINTASTIC. Learn some tricks and start looking at wood lathes. And pick up one of Mr. Neff's string makers. MORE FUN.

[Jeremy McCreary]

Don't waste your money. Just buy a LARGE SPINTASTIC. Learn some tricks and start looking at wood lathes. And pick up one of Mr. Neff's string makers. MORE FUN.

So if I understand correctly, the only way to have worthwhile fun with tops is your way?

[CUPER]

esta empresa imperial aun existe....

[Renee]

The B19 and the Siren King, both from Chicago Scientific, can whistle fairly load but just for a few seconds after the boomerang. They have to spin pretty fast for that and it's quite difficult from regenerations. The Siren King has a tip much more conducive to trick play.

I have both a B19 and a Siren King.  The B19 is easier to wind, crossing the string over the crown, because the top is a little flatter.  The Siren King is very round, so I end up just laying the string along the side, then winding.  You are right that it does have a much better tip, though.  I've been trying to be gentle with them to start with.  As I get more comfortable throwing them, I have thrown them a bit harder and get a better hum out of them.

There are two listings on ebay from the same seller for Imperial Toy tops.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/4-Vintage-NOS-Imperial-Toy-Tops-Plastic-Mini-Dime-Store-New-In-Packages-b/263282250036?hash=item3d4cd85134:g:xh4AAOSw8-tWba4r

[cecil]

All I'm saying is the bigger the BETTER. There is so much you can do with wood. Now i'm thinking of making a five inch maple top and using Purple Heart as a Ta too of a dragon. Maybe make the top then use a dremel to etch the dragon and use Purple Heart wood dust as the filler. And yes. My way is the BEST WAY. See you soon. Do you have any 3 3/4 fighting tops? If not I can bust up your PLASTIC.

[Neff]

My wife found an Imperial Toy top in somebody's couch. Can't figure out why that string and ring are... the way they are.

[Neff]

Cecil, you are coming off really frictional. Do you need a hug?

[Renee]

My wife found an Imperial Toy top in somebody's couch. Can't figure out why that string and ring are... the way they are.

I think someone suggested they were like a charm and were in gumball machines.  They are pretty tiny for a top, but kind of big for a charm.

[ta0]

The ring plus string was standard equipment for this top, as several examples on ebay show:





A little mystery.