Large decorative 'supported-in-starting' top, with handle. It lacks the cord that would be wound around the spindle and then pulled to start the top in motion. The handle supports the top in the vertical position until it has gained enough speed to stand alone, prevents sideways movement when the cord is pulled and counterbalances the effect of the pull. The supported-in-starting top is one of the most popular of the tops and can be worked successfully by anyone after only a few demonstrations.

The top has taken many forms: twirlers, supported tops, peg tops, whip tops, buzzers and yoyos. There are many variations within these categories including the pump handle humming metal top and the scientific derivative, the gyroscope.

The top is one of the most ancient of toys and also the most widespread: it has been found in one form or another on all the continents except Antarctica. It is also a toy used as much by adults as by children. Good top-spinners were public entertainers in many cultures.

Gould, Douglas W. The top: universal toy, enduring pastime, Folkestone: Bailey and Swinfen, 1975

King, Constance Eileen. The encyclopedia of toys, Adelaide: Rigby, 1978

Opie, Iona. The treasures of childhood: books, toys and games from the Opie collection, London: Pavilion, 1989

4Physics: The motion of a spinning top

A brief timeline of western spinning tops

State Library of South Australia: Mortlock Wing exhibitions. To be a child August 2004-