Automata

Automata are toys that have a mechanism that animates the toy in some way from energy stored in the toy. In old toys, the motive energy usually comes from a spring apparatus. Many windup toy vehicles fall into this category but also do circus toys, dancers, magicians, and others. Here are a few very interesting ones I've found:
Photo by Jim Sneed from the Strong National Museum of Play collection The handsome young boy rides an elephant.	Photo by Jim Sneed from the Strong National Museum of Play collection Pull the string under the elephant and his head flips off exposing an older man's head.
Photo by Jim Sneed from the Strong National Museum of Play collection	Photo by Jim Sneed from the Strong National Museum of Play collection
Photo courtesy of Morphy Auctions European Poodle Pulling Clown Tricycle	Photo courtesy of Morphy Auctions Tin Clown Clockwork Tricycle
Photo courtesy of Morphy Auctions German Clockwork Hansom Cab	Photo courtesy of Morphy Auctions Clockwork Boat
Photo courtesy of Morphy Auctions Fishing Pull-toy
Photo courtesy of Morphy Auctions European, probably French, Clown Acrobat	Photo courtesy of Morphy Auctions M&K Toy - Bill Bailey Coming Home