![]() Source of Acquisition: Gift of Mary Ellen Gardner, in memory of Joseph L. “Automotive Cast Iron Toys.” Old And Sold Antiques Auction & Marketplace. of New York City and is still making die-cast metal vehicles.” 1ġ Bland, Ann S. Hubley is now a division of Gabriel Industries, Inc. The more play features a model had, the more expensive it was. After items were conceived and models developed, the toys were analyzed for pricing. ![]() Their designs changed when the larger counterparts changed. Design engineers kept up-to-date on the models and style changes by attending automobile shows and studying advertisements. The Hubley Company maintained a designing department where ideas were conceived and developed for model forms. This was a difficult decision for the firm, since Hubley was one of the first companies to devote their entire factory to die casting. In 1949, due to union disputes, the foundry was closed. Near the end of the line, the toy was individually boxed and packed in a corrugated container. The driver was added, and the ladder, fire axes and other accessories followed. The rubber-tired wheels were added, followed by the spraying on of the radiator, bumpers and headlights. For example, a fire engine took shape on one line. Portions of the earlier toys were handpainted and some were dipped.Įach different toy was started on its own moving assembly line where parts were added, details sprayed on, oiling and inspection took place and the assembly completed. At one time, a dozen girls were employed in the paint department. They were then taken to the paint department where they were given baked enamel or lacquer, air-dried paint finishes in various colors. Die castings were broken off, trimmed, and tumbled in revolving cylindrical machines. In 1936 Hubley started casting in multiple cavity steel dies. All toys were designed by John Hubley, who had remained deeply interested in children’s playthings since the time he first made his own children’s wooden toys. After the Korean conflict ended and regulations on metal were suspended, cast iron toy production resumed.įollowing common manufacturing methods of the time, Hubley toys of the 1890s, and for a time thereafter, were cast in sand molds in two parts which were then riveted together to form the toy. ![]() During World War II scarcity of metal forced the company out of the toy business and into war-related items. Besides making their cast iron toys, the company made castings for other companies in Lancaster which were without foundry equipment.īy 1940 increased freight costs and foreign competition forced the company to look for other materials. Included in the 68,000 square feet of floor space in the Hubley plant were a die-cast room, warehouse, tool room, paint room and all the special assembly machinery. Among the first toys produced were a coal range, circus wagons and mechanical banks, all collector’s items today. At this time the electric train business was discontinued and the cast iron toy business started. Hubley to manufacture equipment and accessories for electric trains. “The Hubley Manufacturing Company of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, one of the oldest and largest makers of toys in the United States, was founded in 1894 by John E. ![]() In its earlier years, the company made a line of “metal art goods,” which included lamps, tables, bookends, doorstops and knockers.Ĭonditions Governing Reproductions: Collection may not be photocopied. Please contact Research Staff or Archives Staff with questions. The first miniature toys were made of cast iron later, plastic became the prominent material. The primary products were toys and decorated repeating cap guns, rifles and holsters. Scope and Content Note: This collection contains catalogs and price lists of the items made by the Hubley Manufacturing Company in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Shelving Location: Archives South, Side 12 Repository: LancasterHistory (Organization) PV7
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