Playmobil

Hans Beck’s figures, 7.5 centimetres tall, for Geobra Brandstätter; launched in 1974.

Hans Beck was a cabinetmaker who developed small figures for Geobra Brandstätter, which had previously made toys and hula hoops. The figures were easy for children to hold and had movable arms and legs.

The first series in 1974 had knights, Native Americans and construction workers, and Playmobil became one of Europe's biggest toys. The figures are made in Germany, Malta and the Czech Republic.

Geobra and a year moulded under the foot or on the back.

• Toys