Maritime Antiques and Collectibles

Wwii Metal

by admin | February 22nd, 2010

Wwii Metal

Meccano Toys

From Lincoln Logs to Legos, toys that inspire children to build have long been favorites. Few brands have such a long tradition and rich history as Meccano Toys. Many of today's modern block and building sets can trace their heritage back to a time when they were directly inspired by Meccano. Some popular brands such as Erector Sets and Steel Tec are little more than copies of the Meccano concept.

Meccano got its start as a building toy set called Mechanics Made Easy, all the way back in 1901. The inventor was Frank Hornby of Liverpool, England. His desire was to create and sell a toy that was fun and also educational. He designed the product as a model building kit that relied on the principals of mechanical engineering. The earliest sets contained pieces made of metal strips, plates, girders, and nuts and bolts to hold them all together. The models needed only a screw driver and various sized wrenches to construct. Also included were wheels, axles, pulleys, and gears to add motion to the models. Later sets would include various types of motors as well. Sets often contain instructions for specific models that can be built with the included pieces. Many children and adults alike find even more enjoyment out of inventing their own models and making their own unique creations with the parts.

There are conflicting tales of just how the toy sets became known as Meccano. Some believe it was derived from a combination of the words "make" and "know." The trademark name was first registered by Hornsby in 1907 and the following year he formed Meccano LTD. At first Hornsby used other manufacturers to supply parts for the kits. As popularity and sales grew he soon found it hard to keep up with the demand. Hornsby set up his own factory to manufacture the parts on Duke Street in his home town of Liverpool. A second larger factory was later built on Binns Road. This location served as the company headquarters for the next six decades. The construction sets soon became a world wide phenomenon and plants were opened up in France, Argentina, and Spain.

Many changes came over the decades. Colors were added to the parts. First green and red, then later yellow and black, and finally yellow and dark blue. The quality of the pieces grew more consistent as manufacturing processes evolved over time. Sets were numbered and lettered and many of the early ones are prized collectors items today. Production of the toys had to be halted a few times over the years, most notably during WWI and WWII due to metal shortages. The factories were also converted for making war supplies during WWII.

The 1960's saw Meccano bought out by Lines Bros. LTD. By the 1970's electronic parts were added to some sets. The brand changed hands again when General Mills purchased it in 1981. Meccano currently belongs to a French corporation that continues the long tradition of making the building sets.

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