Sports & Leisure

Tennis Racket

The nation's passion for sports is obvious every day—at NASCAR races, kiddie soccer matches, and countless other contests. From a handball used by Abraham Lincoln to Chris Evert's tennis racket to a baseball signed by Jackie Robinson, the roughly 6.000 objects in the Museum's sports collections bear witness to the vital place of sports in the nation's history. Paper sports objects in the collections, such as souvenir programs and baseball cards, number in the hundreds of thousands.

Leisure collections encompass a different range of objects, including camping vehicles and gear, video games, playing cards, sportswear, exercise equipment, and Currier and Ives prints of fishing, hunting, and horseracing. Some 4,000 toys dating from the colonial period to the present are a special strength of the collections.

Name: Duncan

Duncan Tournament Yo-Yo

This wooden yo-yo was made by Duncan Toys Company during the 1930s-1940s. It is black with a printed gold label and black lettering. Duncan “Big G” Genuine yo-yos such as this were required for official Duncan contests in the early 1930s.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This wooden yo-yo was made by Duncan Toys Company during the 1930s-1940s. It is black with a printed gold label and black lettering. Duncan “Big G” Genuine yo-yos such as this were required for official Duncan contests in the early 1930s.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1930s-1940s
maker
Duncan
ID Number
2002.0246.13
accession number
2002.0246
catalog number
2002.0246.13

Duncan Imperial Yo-Yo

This plastic Duncan Imperial yo-yo was made in the early 1960s. It has a marbled design hot-stamped with a fleur-de-lis.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This plastic Duncan Imperial yo-yo was made in the early 1960s. It has a marbled design hot-stamped with a fleur-de-lis.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1960s
maker
Duncan
ID Number
2002.0246.29
accession number
2002.0246
catalog number
2002.0246.29

Duncan Tournament Yo-Yo

This dark-blue "little g" wooden yo-yo was made by the Duncan Toys Company in the 1950s. It has a gold stamped seal that reads “Genuine Tournament Yo-Yo, Reg. US Pat Off., Duncan Tops.”Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This dark-blue "little g" wooden yo-yo was made by the Duncan Toys Company in the 1950s. It has a gold stamped seal that reads “Genuine Tournament Yo-Yo, Reg. US Pat Off., Duncan Tops.”
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Duncan
ID Number
2002.0246.12
accession number
2002.0246
catalog number
2002.0246.12

Genuine Tournament Yo-Yo

This plastic yo-yo was manufactured by the Duncan Toys Company in the 1950s. It is solid yellow with a hot-stamped golden seal reading “Genuine Tournament Yo-Yo, U.S.
Description (Brief)
This plastic yo-yo was manufactured by the Duncan Toys Company in the 1950s. It is solid yellow with a hot-stamped golden seal reading “Genuine Tournament Yo-Yo, U.S. Patent, Duncan Tops.” This was one of Duncan’s first attempts at making a standard plastic yo-yo after years of production in wood.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1950s
maker
Duncan
ID Number
2002.0246.30
accession number
2002.0246
catalog number
2002.0246.30

Duncan Rainbo Yo-Yo

This wooden yo-yo was made by the Duncan Toys Company in the 1940s. It has plain red and yellow halves advertising Rainbo brand bread. Yo-Yos were often used as advertising tools throughout the 20th century.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This wooden yo-yo was made by the Duncan Toys Company in the 1940s. It has plain red and yellow halves advertising Rainbo brand bread. Yo-Yos were often used as advertising tools throughout the 20th century.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1940s
maker
Duncan
ID Number
2002.0246.14
accession number
2002.0246
catalog number
2002.0246.14

Duncan Imperial Tenite Yo-Yo

This plastic yo-yo was made by Duncan Toys Company from the 1950s to early 1960s. Made of the clear plastic Tenite, it was part of Duncan’s “Imperial” line. Featuring a chevron logo, this model was the original standard for the Duncan Imperial.
Description (Brief)
This plastic yo-yo was made by Duncan Toys Company from the 1950s to early 1960s. Made of the clear plastic Tenite, it was part of Duncan’s “Imperial” line. Featuring a chevron logo, this model was the original standard for the Duncan Imperial. Later Imperial's featured a fleur-de-lis instead of a chevron. The hot stamped seal reads “Duncan Imperial, Tenite, Yo-Yo Tops.”
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Duncan
ID Number
2002.0246.33
accession number
2002.0246
catalog number
2002.0246.33

Duncan Diablo Spinner

This wooden spinner toy was made by the Duncan Toys Company in the 1930s. Shaped like a bow-tie, one half is painted red and the other half white.
Description (Brief)
This wooden spinner toy was made by the Duncan Toys Company in the 1930s. Shaped like a bow-tie, one half is painted red and the other half white. It is stamped with a seal that reads “Duncan Diablo.” Commonly, diablo toys are usually larger and employ two strings: this example operates more along the lines of a yo-yo .
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1930s
maker
Duncan
ID Number
2002.0246.57
accession number
2002.0246
catalog number
2002.0246.57

Duncan Hi-Li Paddle Ball Toy

This yellow and black wooden paddleball game was made by the Duncan Toys Company in the 1950s. The paddle is attached to a red rubber ball by a thin rubber cord. The paddle reads “Duncan’s Official Hi-Li, Reg. U.S. Pat. Off., Champion No. 99.”Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This yellow and black wooden paddleball game was made by the Duncan Toys Company in the 1950s. The paddle is attached to a red rubber ball by a thin rubber cord. The paddle reads “Duncan’s Official Hi-Li, Reg. U.S. Pat. Off., Champion No. 99.”
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1950s
maker
Duncan
ID Number
2002.0246.60
accession number
2002.0246
catalog number
2002.0246.60

Duncan Rainbo Yo-Yo

This Duncan steel yo-yo was manufactured by the Cayo Manufacturing Company in 1934. It has flat black sides with a black and white stripe design around the edges.
Description (Brief)
This Duncan steel yo-yo was manufactured by the Cayo Manufacturing Company in 1934. It has flat black sides with a black and white stripe design around the edges. There is a red, yellow and blue internal, metallic spinning disc that can be seen through small cut out windows in the sides. The decal reads “Genuine Duncan Rainbo Yo-Yo, Trade Mark Reg. USA.” The Duncan Toys Company contracted its metal yo-yos to the Cayo Manufacturing Company until World War II.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1934
maker
Duncan
Cayo Manufacturing Company
ID Number
2002.0246.02
accession number
2002.0246
catalog number
2002.0246.02

Duncan Mickey Mouse Club Yo-Yo

This plastic yo-yo was made by the Duncan Toys Company in the 1960s. It is unopened on its original a display card reading “Duncan Official Mickey Mouse Club Yo-yo Return Top.” It has flat sides and transparent view lenses.
Description (Brief)
This plastic yo-yo was made by the Duncan Toys Company in the 1960s. It is unopened on its original a display card reading “Duncan Official Mickey Mouse Club Yo-yo Return Top.” It has flat sides and transparent view lenses. Paper inserts feature colorful drawings of Walt Disney Company characters Mickey and Minnie Mouse. This yo-yo is one example of three Duncan Imperial Jr. models featuring Disney characters.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1960s
maker
Duncan
ID Number
2002.0246.54
accession number
2002.0246
catalog number
2002.0246.54

Duncan Shrieking Sonic Satellite Yo-Yo

This wooden yo-yo was made by the Duncan Toys Company in the 1960s. It is displayed on a white, teal, and black display card. The yo-yo has rounded sides with a red glitter and white rims. There are holes through both rims that creates a whistling sound when spun.
Description (Brief)
This wooden yo-yo was made by the Duncan Toys Company in the 1960s. It is displayed on a white, teal, and black display card. The yo-yo has rounded sides with a red glitter and white rims. There are holes through both rims that creates a whistling sound when spun. This model was part of Duncan’s "Satellite" line, inspired by the era's space race.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1960s
maker
Duncan
ID Number
2002.0246.50
accession number
2002.0246
catalog number
2002.0246.50

Duncan Koo-Lee Hat

This yellow plastic spinner was made by the Duncan Toys Company in the 1950s. This type of flying disc is also called a hat.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This yellow plastic spinner was made by the Duncan Toys Company in the 1950s. This type of flying disc is also called a hat.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1950s
maker
Duncan
ID Number
2002.0246.61
accession number
2002.0246
catalog number
2002.0246.61

Duncan Yo-Yo Contest Pin

This round metal pin was made by the Duncan Toys Company in the 1950s. It is red and white and reads “Are your Kids in the Yo-Yo Contest.” Duncan often held contests and demonstrations to generate interest and sales.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This round metal pin was made by the Duncan Toys Company in the 1950s. It is red and white and reads “Are your Kids in the Yo-Yo Contest.” Duncan often held contests and demonstrations to generate interest and sales.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1950s
maker
Duncan
ID Number
2002.0246.67
accession number
2002.0246
catalog number
2002.0246.67

Duncan Tournament Yo-Yo

This yellow, wooden "Duncan Tournament" yo-yo was made by the Duncan Toys Company frin around 1960-1965. Known as a “crossed flags” model, it is the last iteration of Duncan's "Tournament" line in wood. It is mounted on a display card featuring an image of the mascot “Mr.
Description (Brief)
This yellow, wooden "Duncan Tournament" yo-yo was made by the Duncan Toys Company frin around 1960-1965. Known as a “crossed flags” model, it is the last iteration of Duncan's "Tournament" line in wood. It is mounted on a display card featuring an image of the mascot “Mr. Yo-Yo” and the slogan “If it isn't Duncan it isn't Yo-Yo.”
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1960s
maker
Duncan
ID Number
2002.0246.49
accession number
2002.0246
catalog number
2002.0246.49

Duncan Yo-Yo Display Box

This is an empty cardboard store display box for Duncan Yo-Yos from the 1930s. It is red and white with drawings of international yo-yo users. The box reads “Duncan’s Genuine Gold Seal Beginners’ Yo-Yo Tops…if it isn’t a Duncan-it isn’t a yo-yo top.”Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This is an empty cardboard store display box for Duncan Yo-Yos from the 1930s. It is red and white with drawings of international yo-yo users. The box reads “Duncan’s Genuine Gold Seal Beginners’ Yo-Yo Tops…if it isn’t a Duncan-it isn’t a yo-yo top.”
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1930s
maker
Duncan
ID Number
2002.0246.65
accession number
2002.0246
catalog number
2002.0246.65

Duncan Litening Yo-Yo

This wooden yo-yo was made by the Duncan Toys company from 1956-1959. The overall crackle design was created through a double-coat painting process. The sticker reads “Duncan ‘Litening’ Yo-Yo Top”.
Description (Brief)
This wooden yo-yo was made by the Duncan Toys company from 1956-1959. The overall crackle design was created through a double-coat painting process. The sticker reads “Duncan ‘Litening’ Yo-Yo Top”. This was one of the first yo-yos to be packaged and sold upon a blister card.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1950s
maker
Duncan
ID Number
2002.0246.15
accession number
2002.0246
catalog number
2002.0246.15

Duncan Light-Up Yo-Yo

This plastic yo-yo was made by the Duncan Toys Company in the 1970s. It is made of translucent orange and green plastic and features an interior battery compartment. Battery power lit the yo-yo when it was spun.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This plastic yo-yo was made by the Duncan Toys Company in the 1970s. It is made of translucent orange and green plastic and features an interior battery compartment. Battery power lit the yo-yo when it was spun.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1970s
maker
Duncan
ID Number
2002.0246.45
accession number
2002.0246
catalog number
2002.0246.45

Coca-Cola Bob Rola World Champion Yo-Yo

This plastic yo-yo was made by the Duncan Toys Company in the 1950s. It has a pink body and clear rounded sides. It features an image of yo-yo champion Bob Rola on one half and multi-colored dots on the other.
Description (Brief)
This plastic yo-yo was made by the Duncan Toys Company in the 1950s. It has a pink body and clear rounded sides. It features an image of yo-yo champion Bob Rola on one half and multi-colored dots on the other. It reads “Duncan Yo-Yo for Coca-Cola World Champion,” and “Best Wishes, Bob Rola.”
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1950s
maker
Duncan
ID Number
2002.0246.37
accession number
2002.0246
catalog number
2002.0246.37

Don Duncan Autographed Yo-Yo

This black and gold plastic yo-yo has the signature of Donald Duncan founder of the Duncan Toys Company. Duncan Toys produced yo-yos from 1929-1965. Duncan was well known for marketing tactics that made the yo-yo a sensation during the 1930s.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This black and gold plastic yo-yo has the signature of Donald Duncan founder of the Duncan Toys Company. Duncan Toys produced yo-yos from 1929-1965. Duncan was well known for marketing tactics that made the yo-yo a sensation during the 1930s.
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Duncan
ID Number
2007.0158.24
accession number
2007.0158
catalog number
2007.0158.24

Duncan Wheels Long-Spin Yo-Yo

This plastic "Duncan Long-Spin" yo-yo was made by Flambeau Products in the 1980s. Made to resemble tires and rims, Duncan's "wheel" models were popular due to their long spin times.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This plastic "Duncan Long-Spin" yo-yo was made by Flambeau Products in the 1980s. Made to resemble tires and rims, Duncan's "wheel" models were popular due to their long spin times.
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Duncan
ID Number
2007.0158.23
accession number
2007.0158
catalog number
2007.0158.23

Duncan Tournament Yo-Yo

This green wooden "Duncan Tournament" yo-yo was made by the Duncan Toys Company from about 1960-1965. It is known as a “crossed flags” model, because of its gold leaf stamped seal featuring two crossed flags.
Description (Brief)
This green wooden "Duncan Tournament" yo-yo was made by the Duncan Toys Company from about 1960-1965. It is known as a “crossed flags” model, because of its gold leaf stamped seal featuring two crossed flags. The yo-yo is an example from the last wooden "Duncan Tournament" line produced before Duncan went bankrupt in 1965. .
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Duncan
ID Number
2007.0158.12
accession number
2007.0158
catalog number
2007.0158.12

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