Gilbert Erector sets were produced from 1913 until 1988. Actually, the sets from 1913-1916 were sold under the Mysto Manufacturing Company name. The business was renamed the A.C. Gilbert Company in 1916. The A.C. Gilbert Company went out of business in 1967 and was sold to Gabriel. Sets were sold by Gabriel under the Gilbert name through 1976. However, the Gabriel, CBS Toys, GAF Viewmaster and Ideal Toys sets that followed continued to use parts originally produced by the Gilbert Company.
Collectors commonly divide Gilbert Erector sets in a number of categories based on the style of parts. The sets shown in our galleries are organized chronologically by period.
If you have a restored set for the gallery, contact the ACGHS Webmaster for instructions on sending photos and a description. Thanks to Bruce Hansen for most of these pictures.
TYPE I – 1913-1923 | TYPE II – Classic Period – 1924-1932 | TYPE II – Pre-WWII – 1933-1942 | TYPE II – Post-WWII – 1945-1962 | TYPE III – 1963-1988
Type I – 1913 through 1923
These sets are characterized by the 1 1/8-inch wide girders.
Photos appear in chronological order starting with 1913 No. 1 and ending with 1923 No. 7. There are 73 photos in this collection.