Girard Model Works

The Girard Model Works, was an early American toy manufactoring company.[1] It was established by Frank E. Wood in 1919 in Pennsylvania.[2] Metal or tinplate toy trucks, cars and airplanes were their specialty. However, they made various other mechanical and lithographed toys as well.[3][4]

The Girard Model Works operated from the early 1920s to 1934, making various metal toys, vehicles and trains. "Joy Line" was the name given to their 4-inch line of lithographed trains.[5]

In 1928, Louis Marx, the founder of Louis Marx and Company, worked for the company and marketed their toys for them. Owning a toy company himself, he commissioned the Girard Model Works to manufacture toys for his own use as well.[6] This was well before he would have his own factories. During this time he developed a financial interest in the company.[7] As early as 1933, the Sears Wishbook shows the Joy Lines trains under the Marx moniker.

In 1934 Woods declared bankruptcy and Marx took ownership of the company at the court proceedings.[7][8] Many of the toys from both companies are quite alike with only the name being the difference. Louis Marx also continued making toys in this expanded Girard factory until 1972.[9]

References
  1. "Girard Model Works, Toy Manufacturer - Guide to Value, Marks, History | WorthPoint Dictionary". www.worthpoint.com. Retrieved 2023-06-04.
  2. "Girard Model Works, Inc. Antique toys and diecast models". www.fabtintoys.com. Retrieved 2023-06-04.
  3. Gerlak, Becky. "Girard Model Works | Toy&Train Blog". Retrieved 2023-06-04.
  4. "Joy Line Trains". www.tcawestern.org. Retrieved 2023-06-04.
  5. "Girard Model Works/Girard Mfg Co". www.atca-club.org. Retrieved 2023-06-04.
  6. O'Brien 1999, pp. 347.
  7. Matzke 1989, pp. 8.
  8. Whitacre 1991, pp. 11.
  9. Matzke 1989, pp. 10.
  • Kern, Russell S. (2015). Marx Toy Kings. Vol. 1. Blurb Publishing. ISBN 978-1-364-74792-3.
  • King, Constance Eileen (1986). Encyclopedia of Toys. Secaucus NJ: Book Sales Chartwell Books. ISBN 9781555210847.
  • Matzke, Eric (1989). Greenberg's Guide to Marx Trains. Vol. I. Greenberg Publishing. ISBN 0-89778-131-7.
  • Whitacre, Robert (1991). Greenberg's Guide to Marx Trains. Vol. III. Greenberg Publishing. ISBN 0-89778-159-7.
  • O'Brien, Richard (1999). O'Brien's: Collecting Toy Trains. Iola, WI: Krause Publications. ISBN 0-87341-769-0.
  • O'Brien, Richard. Collecting Toys - Identification and Value Guide, 8th Edition. Krause Publications, 1997. ISBN 0-89689-123-2
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