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Space Age Design
Midcentury Futuristic Atomic Googie Jet Age
Toys
While most midcentury futuristic or Space Age architecture and products were made in the U.S., there was a heavy Japanese presence in toys. Specifically tin toys. After they lost World War II, instead of sulking like the Germans after World War I, the Japanese eagerly absorbed American business practices and popular culture. They specifically loved our Space Age culture and Sci-Fi. They absorbed it so well, they ended up improving on it and selling it back to us. Kind of like the English Beatles with American rock music. Tin and later plastic toys in the form of space ships, cars, robots and airplanes were exported to the U.S. in droves. Many have become quite valuable, especially the robots. The Japanese weren't the only ones manufacturing futuristic toys, a lot was made right here in the U.S. All but Big Loo from the author's collection.
Space Station battery operated tin toy by TN of Japan. Measures 9" in diameter, lights up and on wheels. Directly infuenced by the station in Disney's "Man in Space" program in 1955.
Satellite Flying Saucer tin toy by Cragstan. Cragstan was an American importer of Japanese toys from several manufacturers. This battery operated toy lit up and rolled around on wheels. Measures 8" in diameter.
Friend Ship 7 tin space capsule by SH and made in Japan. Friction toy on wheels with tin astronaut inside. Measures 9 1/2" long. Original price sticker, can you guess the price? Scroll to the bottom of the page for the answer.
Capsule 5 by TM Modern Toys of Japan. Measures 10" long. Battery operated on wheels tin toy and lit up. Tin astronaut inside.
Launching Station tin toy by MAR of Japan. The rocket detaches and is on wheels. Platform 9 1/4" long. Windup.
Dick Tracy Copmobile plastic car by Ideal Toy Corp of NYC. Battery operated. 24 1/2" long and dated 1963. Missing one hood mounted headlignt and part of the stick coming out ofthe trunk.
Structo Vista Dome Horse Van. This diecast steel truck is 23 1/2" long and came with 4 plastic horses. By Structo Toys of Freeport, IL.
Nylint Mobile Home. This diecast steel truck measures 29" long and has a removable roof. Originally would have had some plastic furnishings. Dates to the mod 1960s. Nylint was one of the major diecast steel toy truck makers along with Tonka, Structo, Buddy L and Smith-Miller. Based in Rockford, IL.
Fire Chief tin friction car by Toymaster of Japan. Measures 9" long. Circa 1958.
XP-600 Fix It Car of Tomorrow by Ideal. Battery operated plastic car that lit up.
Frosty Freez Ice Creamer ice cream maker by Hassenfeld Bros. of Central Falls, RI. Hassenfeld later changed its name to Hasbro and is now along with Mattel the largest toymaker in the U.S. Box measured 11 1/4 x 11 1/4 x 5 3/4". Lot of graphics with this one.
Trav L Aire Battery Operated Slide Projector. Manufactured by AIDS, Inc. of Anaheim, CA. Took 2 x2" slides. Box is 11 1/2" long.
Junior Chef Magic Cool Oven by Arco Industries, of Jackson Heights, NY. Knock off of the Easy Bake Oven by Kenner? Yes even girls had Space Age toys.
One minute Big loo commercial.
Mr. Machine by Ideal. Wind him up and gears turn, he walks, whistles, and his mouth moves. 19 1/4" tall. Issued in 1960 and reissued in 1978. This is the latter.
The ultimate U.S. made robot was Big Loo. He was 37" tall and cost a whopping $9.99. He had many many functions. Made by Marx in 1963.
Pee Gee Bee box of whiffle golf balls by Cason Corp. of Minneapolis, MN.
Astro Ray ray gun by Ohio Arts of Bryan, OH. This one also a flashlight. Originally came with darts and a target. Measures 10" long. Ray guns were a staple boys futuristic toy for decades.
Airport luggage cart tin toy by Modern Toys of Japan. Measures 7 1/2" long. Missing a top level of luggage.
Halco Jet cap gun caps box. Jet Age toy.
Stand up display for a game.
Original price of the Friend Ship 7 space capsule was $0.77.
Futuristic helicopter ride at Euclid Beach Park, Cleveland, OH. Postcard.