All wood turners have had a go at turning a spinning top but this is one with a difference.  The brass ring and spindle are inserted into the top of the spinning top and a string is wound onto the brass spindle.

To operate the top you hold the brass ring and pull the string.  The top will spin and the string will rewind automatically onto the brass spindle.  With a little practice you drop the top onto a flat surface and watch it spin.