These are some resources with information on tops. Most cover them as a sub-topic to other toys or manufacturers but it's a place to start. If you know of other resources please drop me a note and I'll update this page.


The Little Book of Tops, Tricks, Lore and More by Don Olney

The Collector's Encyclopedia of Disneyana by David Longest and Michael Stern

American Tin-Litho Toys by Lisa Kerr

Tops and Yo-Yos and Other Spinning Toys L-W Collector's Digest

Ohio Art the World of Toys by Lisa Kerr

Spinning Tops by Larry Kettelkamp

Spinning Tops & Gyroscopic Motion by John Perry

Collecting Tops and the Lost Art of Spinning Top Tricks by Ed Levin

J.Chein & Co. A Collectors Guide to an American Toymaker by Alan Jaffe

SPIN-OFFS a playful periodic magazine of tidbits, research, patent information, catalog page reprints, and articles about tops, yo-yos, gyroscopes, diabolos. (Emphasis is on tops.) A small toy is occasionally included with an issue. A limited number of the nine back issues are available, as well as subscriptions. Published by the Spinning Top Museum, 533 Milwaukee AV, Burlington, WI 53105, editor Judith Schulz. Call (262) 763-3946 for information.

REMINISCE magazine November-December 1998 issue. Page 32-33. Excellent photographs of older style tops plus an article about the Spinning Top Museum and Judith Schulz's role as Tops Expert for the MGM movie, My Summer Story. The movie story line features Ralphie, from the movie Christmas Story, wanting to get the best spinning top to beat the bully at top spinning games.