Puzzle-Wit
See “Magic Fan.”
Quintain
The Quintain is another balancing toy, very ingenious in construction, which, although it may be made at home, will be found somewhat difficult of construction. One of the leading toy-makers thus describes its manufacture:—“Carve the bust of a man with a ferocious face; on the face gum a Turkish beard and moustaches; let one arm be extended, half bent, holding a wooden scimitar, and the other bear a shield, adorned with an opening, crescent-shaped, in which hangs a little bell. Load the base of the figure with lead, and poise it on a pin, on which it shall so freely revolve as to move at a touch, even so slight as that of a feather. Now, whoever, trying to make the bell ring with his finger, does not thrust at it very quickly, the figure, turning round, will deal him a smart blow on the forefinger knuckle with the sabre.”
The principle on which the Revolving Ring or the Revolving Image works is precisely similar to that of the Quintain.