Make A Toy Co. ~1928-1942
The Make-A-Toy Co. (Make-A-Toy Company or Make-A-Toy Corp.) was a prominent American manufacturer based in New York City The company was active from about 1928-1929 with their peak production years being 1930-1941 through the start of WWII. Their headquarters and manufacturing were centered in New York, with many of their mold boxes bearing the "New York, N.Y." stamp.
Make-A-Toy Co. competed with other major brands like Rapco, Porter Chemical Company (Kast-A-Toy), and Home Foundry. Their sets typically included several two-part metal molds, a ladle, and bars of "safety metal" (usually a lead-tin-antimony alloy).
The decline of Make-A-Toy Co. was driven chiefly by the lack of metal. Starting in 1941, the U.S. government restricted the use of lead, tin, and zinc for non-essential goods. This halted the production of casting kits almost overnight as materials were diverted to the war effort. The company effectively ceased its primary operations during World War II.
Most of their molds have their name and location (New York) stamped into the exterior of the handle or the mold block itself. The molds were heavy cast iron or lead-alloy blocks that fit together with alignment pins. Early molds had an "L-Handle" integrated into the metal handle which was used to hold the mold shut while pouring.
Make-A-Toy Co. did produce some multi-figure molds, the "3-in-1" layout with threaded handle holes for turned wooden handles with a metal screw-stud at the end was the signature style from approximately 1936–1940 production, specifically designed to compete with the Rapaport "Junior Caster" sets.
While I have not been able to find a definitive master list, evidence from surviving sets and "Refill" order forms suggests that Make-A-Toy Co. produced approximately 15 to 20 different multi-figure molds in the 3-in-1 format. However I have only seen one flyer which shows the first 5 moulds from the 100 series.
The 100-Series: American Frontier and History (The most common)
It was their flagship multi-figure line, marketed heavily as a "Spirit of '76" educational set. I have only seen one flyer for Make A Toy. It shows 5 moulds 101 thru 105.
- 101 - Charging, Machine Gunner, Officer
- 102 - Infantry, Flag Bearer, Cavalry
- 103 - Marine Drummer, Bugler, Flag Bearer
- 104 - Bugler, Cavalry, Marching
- 105 - Bufalo Bill and Two Indians
- 106 - Artillary Crew Rammer, Loader, Gunner with Linstock
Note regarding the 200 and 300 series. I have seen some info on these two series but have not been able to find definitive catalog listings of these series so they may in fact be ghost series! I would appreciate feedback from anyone that has or has seen any of the moulds listed below. What follows is verbatim from the source provided:
The 200-Series: World War I / Modern Military
These are rarer than the Revolutionary War figures. They were produced just before the metal bans of the early 1940s. They featured squads of infantry in gas masks, "Doughboys" with fixed bayonets, and artillery crews. There are roughly 6-8 identified molds in this military multi-figure series.
- 201 - 3 Gas Mask infantry Soldiers in full NBC gear, standing and crouching.
- 202 - Heavy Machine Gun Crew 1 Gunner, 1 Loader, and 1 Spotter.
- 203 - Modern Military Band Drummer, Bugler, and Color Guard in modern uniforms.
- 204 - The Trench Raiders 3 Soldiers in "Action" poses—throwing grenades or charging with bayonets.
- 205 - Anti-Aircraft / Searchlight Crew Specialized figures looking upward or operating gear.
- 206 - Medical Corps Stretcher-bearers and a Medic.
The 300-series "Wild West"
Themes: These featured groups of three "Cowboys" or three "Indians." Approximately 4 confirmed molds.
- 301 - The Cowboy Squad 3 Cowboys in different hats—one with a lasso, one with two pistols.
- 302 - Mounted Indian & Warriors 1 Mounted Native American (designed for the 102 horse) and 2 on foot.
- 303 - Cactus & Frontier Scenery A rare mold that cast "props"—usually a cactus, a campfire, and a crate.
- 304 - The Stagecoach Guard 3 Figures designed to sit or lean (for use with toy wagons/coaches).
- 305 - Jungle Safari / African Expedition "Explorers" in pith helmets and potentially a large animal like a lion.
- 306 - Deep Sea Divers One of the most unique molds; featured divers in "Mark V" copper helmets.
The #305 and #306 molds are significantly harder to find than the 100 or 200 series. By the time Make-A-Toy Co. reached these numbers, the U.S. was nearing its entry into WWII. Production was cut short, making these "Adventure" series moulds quite rare. If you have any documentation or info on any other moulds let me know in the comments section!
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