November 2011 - 1943 Erector Set
This Erector set from 1934 promised boys that they could put their imaginations to work by building trucks, trench diggers and ship cranes. The all metal set includes an electric motor to put the creations into action. The instruction booklet includes a letter from the inventor and promoter of the Erector set, on the inside of the front page. “You’ll find engineering thrills by the dozen building with Erector.” The educational toy also encouraged architectural design and structural engineering.
This popular toy was invented by A.C Gilbert in 1913. Gilbert’s company based in New Haven, Connecticut produced the Erector set until the 1960s when it was bought out by Gabriel Company. This construction toy declined in popularity and by the 1980s was no longer produced. During the 1990s, Meccano bought the Erector brand and currently sell new products.
