Toys · 1911
Playtime in the Early Steel and Steam Era
In 1911, the toy world expanded with durable steel construction kits, innovative baseball card sets, and sturdy wooden dolls. Children embraced mechanical train sets, detailed cast-iron vehicles, and soft plush bears as modern manufacturing reshaped play.
- A. Schoenhut Co. | Doll | USA
Schoenhut All-Wood Sculptured Dolls
Patent-jointed with internal steel springs, these virtually indestructible wooden dolls revolutionized the American doll market in 1911.
- American Tobacco Co. | Trading Cards
T205 Gold Border Baseball Cards
Featuring striking color portraits framed in rich gold foil, this landmark 1911 tobacco card set captivated young baseball fans across America.
- American Tobacco Co. | Trading Cards
T201 Mecca Double Folders
This innovative 1911 trading card series featured clever dual-player portraits that revealed a second player when the card was folded.
- Frank Hornby | Construction | UK
Meccano Construction System
British inventor Frank Hornby expanded his metal construction sets in 1911, allowing children to build working cranes and bridges.
- A.C. Gilbert | Construction | USA
Gilbert Erector Set Prototype
Inspired by steel railroad girders, Olympic athlete A.C. Gilbert designed the original prototype for his iconic Erector Set in 1911.
- Steiff | Plush Toy | Germany
Steiff Mohair Teddy Bears
Handcrafted with premium mohair and the signature button-in-ear trademark, Steiff teddy bears dominated nurseries internationally in 1911.
- Hubley Mfg. Co. | Die-Cast | USA
Hubley Cast Iron Motorcars
Lancaster foundry Hubley crafted heavy, intricately painted cast-iron automobiles and fire engines during the peak of early 1911 toy production.
- Märklin | Model Trains | Germany
Märklin Gauge 1 Model Trains
Precision-engineered tinplate steam locomotives and track layouts made Märklin the leading name in model railways throughout 1911.
Enjoyed your trip back in time?