Description: This is a WYSIWYG listing - What You See Is What You Get. You will receive exactly what is pictured including: 1 Each: Vintage 1950's Gilbert Erector Set Red & Yellow Signal/Tower Building House Shed About Erector Sets Erector Sets are a line of construction toys that allow users to build mechanical models, such as buildings, vehicles, and machines. The system consists of metal beams with regularly spaced holes, screws, nuts, and various components like gears, pulleys, and electric motors. The sets encourage creativity, problem-solving, and mechanical skills, making them popular with children and hobbyists. The modern Erector brand is often associated with Meccano, a similar system invented in England. Today, Erector/Meccano sets are available worldwide and include advanced features like robotics, coding, and electronics, appealing to both traditional enthusiasts and the STEM education market.History of Erector Sets Early Beginnings (1911-1913): The Erector Set was invented in 1911 by A.C. Gilbert, an American entrepreneur and former Olympic pole vaulter. Gilbert was inspired by steel girders used in railroad construction. He envisioned a toy that could teach children about engineering and construction. Commercial Launch: The first Erector Set was introduced in 1913 under the name "The Mysto Erector Structural Steel Builder" by the Mysto Manufacturing Company, which Gilbert co-founded in New Haven, Connecticut. The toy featured metal strips, plates, pulleys, and gears, all held together with screws and nuts. The Gilbert Company Era (1916-1967): In 1916, the Mysto Manufacturing Company became the A.C. Gilbert Company. Erector Sets gained immense popularity, partly due to innovative marketing strategies, including nationwide advertising and captivating catalogs. During this time, Gilbert introduced electric motors and expanded the sets to include more elaborate components, allowing for the construction of working cranes, trains, and even Ferris wheels. Golden Age (1920s-1930s): Erector Sets were one of the most popular toys in America. During the Great Depression, Gilbert adjusted pricing and packaging to keep the toy accessible. The sets played a role in inspiring future engineers and inventors. World War II Era: Production shifted to support the war effort, with the company manufacturing military equipment instead of toys. After the war, the Erector Set returned to shelves, incorporating new designs and features. Decline and Transition (1960s-1980s): By the 1960s, the popularity of Erector Sets declined as plastic construction toys like LEGO gained prominence. In 1967, the A.C. Gilbert Company went bankrupt, and the rights to the Erector brand were sold to the Gabriel Company. Over time, Erector Sets were redesigned with more plastic components to compete with modern toys. Meccano Merger and Modern Era (2000s-Present): In 2000, the Erector brand merged with Meccano, a similar construction toy company founded in England in 1901. Under the Meccano-Erector name, the sets evolved to include robotics kits, app-based controls, and programmable features. Legacy and Impact Erector Sets have left a lasting legacy as one of the earliest STEM-oriented toys. They have been credited with inspiring many engineers, architects, and inventors. Today, they are celebrated as a symbol of innovation and creativity, with vintage sets sought after by collectors and modern iterations continuing to engage young builders in engineering and technology. This listing is in full compliance with all eBay rules and regulations. In no event shall SuperEZParts (eBay seller), SuperEZSystems LLC., its officers, directors, employees, and/or other representatives be liable for any damages of any kind, including without limitation, direct, indirect, compensatory, special, consequential, punitive, and/or incidental damages related to the products sold in this listing.
Price: 15 USD
Location: Lowell, Indiana
End Time: 2025-01-02T19:20:29.000Z
Shipping Cost: 5 USD
Product Images
Item Specifics
Return shipping will be paid by: Buyer
All returns accepted: Returns Accepted
Item must be returned within: 30 Days
Refund will be given as: Money Back
Brand: Gilbert
Type: Baseplate
Character: Red
Number of Pieces: 11
Color: Red
Theme: House
Features: Vintage
Year Manufactured: 1950
Age Level: 11+
Country/Region of Manufacture: United States
Product Line: Originals