The Mysto Erector. the toy whose girders resemble structural steel. [electronic resource].

Mysto Mfg. Co. [1914]

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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)

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

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

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