Ratchet Robot
Nomura, Early 1950s
8.5 inches tall

Despite its primitive appearance and construction, Ratchet Robot was a huge hit, as evidenced by a seemingly endless string of variations (known as either Zoomer or Radar Robot, depending on mechanism and color). With his vacant, yet strangely personable, stare, Ratchet embodies the very essence of the toy robot. Then there's that inexplicable wrench clutched in his hand; he's ready to serve!

In many ways, Ratchet's look is strongly representative of the design aesthetic of the 1950s, taking visual cues from cars and trains of the era (take a look at the silver band running down its chest). Common and reasonably priced in decent condition, this is a fun robot that's easy to add to a beginning collection.