The Mysto Erector. No. 1 : the toy whose girders resemble structural steel.

Title & Author:

The Mysto Erector. No. 1 : the toy whose girders resemble structural steel.

Publication:

[1914] (New Haven, Conn. : Mysto Mfg. Co.)

Description:

1 construction set (140 pieces) : steel ; various sizes in cardboard box 22 x 32 x 3 cm + 1 instruction manual (32 pages : illustrations ; 22 x 31 cm)

Notes:
Essentially stamped steel parts with screws and nuts. Set no. 1, with list of contents mounted on verso of lid.
Title from printed (chromolithograph) label mounted on recto of lid.
Box illustration signed: A.D. Steinbach, N[ew] H[aven] C[onnecticut]; W.B. Smith.
"Patented 1912 by Mysto Mfg. Co."

Exhibitions:

Exhibited: "L'architecture en jeux: jeux de construction du CCA = Buildings in boxes: architectural toys from the CCA", Centre canadien d'architecture, Nov. 27, 1990-Mar. 31, 1991.

Summary:

The manufacturer, Dr. A.C. Gilbert, began the production of magic kits in 1909 under the name of Mysto Magic Co. and first produced the Mysto Erector in 1913 under the name of Mysto Manufacturing Company. The company conducted "one prize contest every year ... to get ideas from boys for new models". In 1916 the firm became known as A.C. Gilbert Company, located on Erector Square in New Haven, Connecticut. Gilbert continued to develop the Erector, which was the first toy with gears, pinions and electric motor. In 1920 Gilbert purchased the American branch of Meccano. Gilbert's company made non-toys as well as various toy sets, and continues to-day to manufacture many products including the Erector set, probably its most famous. (Cf. R. O'Brien. Collecting toys. Florence, Ala., 1990)

Resources:
Image
Image:

Subject:

Gilbert, A. C. (Alfred Carlton), 1884-1961.
A.C. Gilbert Company.
Metal toys United States Specimens.
Toys United States Specimens.
Jouets en métal États-Unis Spécimens.
Jouets États-Unis Spécimens.
Metal toys
Toys
United States
Erector Sets (TM)

Form/genre:

Screw-and-nut assembly system toys.
Erector Sets (TM)
Specimens

Added entries:

Steinbach, A. D.
Smith, W. B.
Mysto Manufacturing Company.
A.C. Gilbert Company.

Holdings:

Location: Library main objects 61122
Call No.: TS2301.T7.M4 M972 1914
Status: Available

Actions:

Add to folder

Request these items

Email this list to yourself (or someone else)

Your folder is empty.

Please complete this form to make a request for consultation. A copy of this list will also be forwarded to you.

Your contact information

First name:

Last name:

Email:

Phone number:

Notes (optional):

We will contact you to set up an appointment. Please keep in mind that your consultation date will be based on the type of material you wish to study. To prepare your visit, we'll need:

— At least 2 weeks for primary sources (prints and drawings, photographs, archival documents, etc.)
— At least 48 hours for secondary sources (books, periodicals, vertical files, etc.)

Back to list

Submit