Hardwood Throwing Top

Hardwood top - Louisiana - USA

I bought this spinning top during our road trip through New Orleans, Louisiana. It is a very common sight there and can be found in many souvenir shops. As I understand it, these tops are often used as promotional items by local businesses. They are usually sold in a clear plastic container together with a string and a small drawstring pouch, available in different colors and printed with the name of the shop or attraction where they are purchased.

This particular top is made in the USA by Channel Craft, a company well known for producing quality wooden toys and educational products. The wood used is likely maple or birch, according to the manufacturer's specifications.

Despite its simple appearance, it is an excellent spinner. The balance between its size and weight is remarkably well designed, allowing it to spin smoothly and for an impressively long time.

One small detail I should mention concerns the string supplied with the top. Personally, I find it a little too thin and too short to achieve the best throw. I prefer using one of my own strings, which gives me a firmer grip and much better control when launching the top.

Although this is a modern production top rather than a traditional folk toy, it has earned a well-deserved place in my collection. It represents a small but enjoyable part of American spinning top culture and reminds me of a memorable journey through Louisiana.