Figure 1.--We note an advertisement for a Märklin construction set. It looks to be a German Erector set. In Britain I think they were called Meccano. . This was a very popular toy for boys in the 1920s and 30s. The ad here or perhaps it is a box top looks to have been done about 1930.

We note an advertisement for a Märklin construction set. It looks to be a German Erector set. In Britain I think they were called Mechano. This was a very popular toy for nots in the 1920s and 30s. Actually I'm not sure which of these companies actually first created these mechanical sets and when the first one was marketed. A German reader writes, "Meccano, the originator, and Märklin co-operated before World War I. After the War in 1919 Märklin started to produce such sets by themselves. The production ended in 1999. A detailled historical review (in German) is available on these two companies. The company was founded by Theodor Friedrich Wilhelm Märklin. He started making doll kitchens for girls in 1859. After his death his sons began making toy trains and exhibited the first ones at the Leipzig Fair in 1891. This is the beginning of the very successful Märklin Toy Train Company, that is still in business today. The company is located in „Göppingen“, a small city to the East of Stuttgart. The ad for the metal construction kit here or perhaps it is a box top looks to have been done about 1930. Perhaps our Germany readers will know more. We rather suspect that after the NAZIs seized power (1933) and began their massive rearmament program that less metal was avilable for children toys like Märklin. Note that the boys picture are wearing suits to play with their Märklin set. A British reader writes, "I believe Meccano was the first with metal building toys. A.G. Gilbert then made Erector sets. Märklin is best known for its electric trains. Thectrins nowadays are the main product, not only for boys, but also for collectors and men. They have very advanced technology, digital control of many engines, signals etc. on one IC board. The mechanical sets are no more very popular but still available from private sellers (e.g., through Ebay). Märklin is still very much in bussiness."

Created: 6:10 PM 7/30/2004
Last updated: 11:32 PM 7/30/2004