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Midgetoy
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Welcome to Midgetoy. We take this rare opportunity to
share a piece of the PAST with you the True Collector.
I'll be doing some updating. I hope you enjoy this site, please tell
your friends and family. Don't forget to click on the links below to
visit the Trains and all the rest.
History, Contact, Show Case Sets, Train Sets, DieCast Price Guide,
Brief Company History It was 1943 when Alvin and Earl Herdklotz formed the A & E Tool and Gage Co. Their first products included precision tooling such as gauges that measured the contours and shapes of airplane propellers. With the end of World War II, there was no more defense work and they decided to manufacture die-cast toys at their factory in Rockford, Illinois. These toys" were designed to save on production cost and were more basic then the more established die-cast toy makers such as Tootsietoys.
They decided to call this toy line Midgetoy (pronounced Midget-oy). The picture below is their first die-cast product, introduced in 1946 which they called the 4 in 1 Truck Set.
4 in 1 Truck Set - 1946 In 1947 the "Buck Rogers" type Spaceship Car was added. It was followed in 1948 by the "Futuristic Auto" shown below. These were followed with a wide variety of fun to Play with toys. Al stated "Our toys were for the kid on the other side of the tracks." These toys were affordable and durable.
Futuristic Auto - 1948 - to late 60's |
1949 Ford Pickup introduced in 1950 ~~ Bonneville Racer part of the Junior Series. |
Midgetoy Oil Co. Truck
The "Midgetoy Oil Co." Truck, shown below is part of
the Jumbo line. At an average length of six inches,
the Jumbos were among the largest Midgetoys
made (along with the Tractor Trailers). |
The Midgetoy MG
At left is the "Midget" version
(also sold with the "Junior" series).
At right is the "Mini" version.
The 50's and 60's were prosperous times for Midgetoy
as well as other die-cast toy makers. By the early 50's
Midgetoy had established itself as the number two
American die-cast toy maker.
By the late 60's through the early 70's a bit of irony was coming into play. The A & E Tool & Gage Co., which got it's start in the defense industry during World War II would now suffer because of the Vietnam War.
The price of zinc alloys had increased sharply during the Vietnam War and Midgetoy was forced to cease production of much of their established lines. It was during this period they introduced the "Mini" line. Much smaller "about two inches long", these simpler die-cast toys used much less metal and could be sold at a lower price. During the 70's the company concentrated on the Mini line and the marketing of Sets. These products were packaged on blister cards and were available in a variety of sets.
In 1981, Al & Earl Herdklotz decided to retire. They sold the Company to a group of investors. Over the next two years no new products were introduced and the company suffered severely. The number of employees dropped from
more than a hundred to 5 part time workers.
In 1983, Al & Earl bought back the company. After examining the companies facilities, they determined that some of the equipment had fallen into a state of disrepair and it would be difficult to restart production. They determined that it would be best to sell off the remaining inventory. They found that quite a large number of toys had been put into storage and were in very good condition. This of course is a great opportunity for a collector to
obtain some very nice Midgetoy products in great condition.
Please let Earl and his family know how much Midgetoy has meant to you or a loved one by sending them an e-mail, letter or give them a call. I know that they would love to hear from you. I believe Midgetoy will live on with a little help from Midgetoy collectors, friends and family.
Midgetoy
1202 Eddy Avenue
Rockford, IL. 61103
E-Mail Midgetoy To find out more about Midgetoy, look for the:
"DIE CAST PRICE GUIDE"
Post-War: 1946--Present
by Douglas R. Kelly
E-Mail Doug
Published by
Antique Trader Books
Dubuque, Iowa
It is a fantastic source of information about toy die-cast vehicles. A Note from the Webmaster
It's been an honor to construct this web site for Al & Earl Herdklotz. The history of the A & E Tool and Gage Co. and Midgetoy is more than just a story about a toy company. It is a story about what America is all about. When Al & Earl switched from defense products to the manufacture of die-cast toys, it was just one of many adjustments they would make along the way. They continually had to adapt to marketing trends and fierce competition from die-cast makers from around the would. To compete for almost four decades is a tribute to the their craftsmanship and perseverance.
UPDATE It is with great sorrow for me to tell about Al's passing. Al Herdklotz became ill on Christmas Day, he passed away on December 28, 2002.
He was loved by many and will be missed. He and Earl gave many hours of joy to children. You will be missed Al by many, young and old. Thank you Al.
Mary Jeanne Kinch
Mother's Research and Reference Center
Tulas' Gifts
P.O.Box 2243
Gilbert, AZ. 85299
480-212-0673
E-Mail Us September, 1999
Midgetoy.com is placed on the World Wide Web with permission from
Earl & Al Herdklotz.
Copyright© 1999-2007 Midgetoy - A & E Tool and Gage Co.
All Rights Reserved.
You must obtain written permission to use any content on this website. |
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