There was some drama today during the demolition of an iconic Winnipeg building, as crews spotted something that looked at first like a vintage machine gun.

As demolition of the former Shanghai Restaurant in the Exchange District got underway this week, a photographer snapped a picture that showed what looked like a 1930s machine gun tucked beside a cupboard.

The photographer noticed the gun in the picture hours after taking it.

Imrie Demolition, the company that is in charge of tearing down the building, was contacted, as were Winnipeg police.

Then around midday Wednesday, crews found the gun-like object — with the words "Mattel Tommy" appearing prominently on it — in the rubble.

"Oh well, at least now we don't have to fight with the police department for ownership," said Wayne Imrie of Imrie Demolition.

Workers had a good laugh over the toy gun.

Still, the restaurant's former owner, Henry Lee, says since the building is so old, anything could be in the walls.

"It's a long, long, old building, [built] a long time ago," Lee said. "Something else [could be] hidden in there. Who knows?"

The building dates back to 1883.