Form L - An Optical Illusion Desktop Toy

Bought in London in 1997, this toy was part of a wide range of executive desktop toys that were created around that time. Made in Taiwan, this was called "Form L" because the four silver uprights are bent into "L" shapes.

Battery powered with a small motor in the base, when you switch it on the four uprights all rotate. It seems as if they are somehow magically passing through each other, but this is just an optical illusion. The idea - maybe - was that it stimulated the creative side of your brain!

Desktop toys do not seem to be so popular these days. Maybe we have got too serious. Maybe we need more of these creative gadgets on our desk!

[Ceremolligence]

You are one lucky man to have that! Kinetic Mobiles in this shape & form are extremely rare to find know in 2020. That variant you have is made by a company called Golden Island or possibly Carlisle, could be Matscot as well.

[Rinyotsu]

Wish you had a top down look, but I guess that would spoil the fun lol

[xNoCookiesForYouXD]

I swear for every one I finish, three more are uploaded.

[phendformyself]

I bought one of these at Spencer's Gifts. It was like $25-$30 bucks and it glowed in the dark. The base uses a D cell battery. The set came with four "L" shaped spinners like the ones in the video, plus four "S" shaped spinners. The spinners are very fragile and care must be taken while inserting them into the slots or else they will snap.

[Pitx]

I really like a lot of these executive toys. If only they wouldn't make so much noise I'd even consider getting some of them as decorations. ^^

[raafmaat]

How many more videos did you upload mr Henders? Because i cannot stop watching them and I want to know if i can still make plans for tonight! :D

[GoldenCrow]

I found this amusing as I do have one of these myself. Although mine is a bit more complex then the one Tim showed. First it is more of a square design and uses five rods that are bent in three distinct curves. And each of the rods are hexagonal in shape, which provides and interesting lightshow when a spotlight is pointed at them.

[ZeacorZeppelin]

I have just spent the past 45 minutes trying to find this toy and now I have found it my life is complete

[closeen]

Youtube recommendation: Let's show this old video to them!

[homfri]

i had something like this in my shop desk. needless to say this (style) of toy, not to rugged when it comes to forklifts knocking things around

[GabrielKnightz]

I wouldn't do any work at all and stare at that all day giggling :P

[ClanShado]

the bumps pass behind the valleys, simply really

[ashmohd]

Genuine question, what do we think the total value of Tim's toys are in money terms

[joecro]

Don't resist!! Don't try and understand it, just sit back and let your mind be fucked :D

[prithwin]

just when i thought i had seen all of your videos!

[sarahknight]

This guy and his toys reminds me of Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium.

[phendformyself]

Shoot. I checked the underside of the base and there is no product name. Not even an indication of the manufacturer! I'm missing the door to the battery case and the only thing left on it is a little price tag (I think it was a display model). I forgot to mention that this is a fairly old toy. I purchased it in 1998 when I was a young, tripped out teenager lol. Sorry I couldn't be more helpful. Hope you find it, it's pretty mesmerizing under a black light!

[jaypi]

I would love kinetic toys and mobiles having them around moving all the time but the noise is too much to handle. I only have the drinking bird which I love because is totally silent. I wish I find more silent ones.

[Joso]

Why dont you make a video of all executive toys?

[PSGamers]

Really? What is it called? I live by spencer's and i really want this.