Meccano records

Collection

Identifier: 124.2413

Collection Scope and Content Note

The records include published instruction manuals for Meccano sets dating from 1912 to 2000. The majority of the instruction manuals are in French with some published in English and in multiple languages. The records also contain still images used as references and marketing for Meccano dating from 1985 to 2005. Still images include photographic prints, 35mm slides, and negatives.

Dates

Creation: 1912-2005

Language of Materials

Materials are in French unless otherwise noted.

Conditions Governing Access

The Meccano records are open for research use by staff of The Strong and users of its library and archive. Some materials may require advanced notice to provide the neccesary viewing equipment.

Conditions Governing Use

Though the donor has not transferred intellectual property rights (including, but not limited to any copyright, trademark, and associated rights therein) to The Strong, they have given permission for The Strong to make copies in all media for museum, educational, and research purposes.

Historical Note

Meccano is a brand of model construction system created in 1898 by Frank Hornby in Liverpool, England. The brand's Meccano sets, Hornby Trains, and Dinky Toys were three of the most popular lines of toys in the twentieth century. By 1910 the toys' success prompted Meccano Ltd to export its operations worldwide. Hornby and his son, Roland, formed Meccano (France) Ltd in Paris in 1912. In 1990, Meccano acquired the Erector brand and in 2013 the Meccano brand was acquired by Spin Master Ltd.

Extent

2.0 Linear Feet (3 legal size document boxes, 2 slide boxes, 1 photo box)

Additional Description

Abstract

The Meccano records document production and sale of Meccano construction sets. The materials date from 1912 to 2005. The records are comprised of set instruction manuals and still images including photographic prints, 35mm slides, and negatives.

System of Arrangement

The records are arranged in the original order and have been divided into two series. Series II has been further divided into subseries by format.

Series I: Instruction manuals, 1912-2000

Series II: Still images, 1985-2005

Subseries A: Prints, 1985-2005

Subseries B: 35mm slides, undated

Subseries C: Negatives, circa 2000

Immediate Source of Acquisition

The records were donated to The Strong in January 2024 as a gift of Spin Master Ltd. and accessioned under Object ID: 124.2413.

Related Materials

Hundreds of publications and construction sets were included in this donation and cataloged.

Spin Master Ltd. records, Brian Sutton-Smith Library and Archives of Play at The Strong. The records pertain to the Earth Buddy and Zoomer toy lines by Spin Master Ltd., which acquired Meccano in 2013.