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Received an Erector 9 1/2 set from my dad in the mid-70’s. He, in turn, bought it from another boy when he was young (probably in the 1940’s or early 1950’s). I want to give it to my grandson, but would like help in dating and completing the set. Is there any guide to dating the set based on certain characteristics?
In addition to feedback from other members, you could consult “Greenberg’s Guide to Gilbert Erector Sets, Vol. 2, 1933-1962,” by William M. Bean. Though the book is out of print, it is occasionally available either from Amazon or eBay (expensive) or possibly from your local library (free). The ACGHS is currently revising and updating Bean’s guide, but this won’t likely be completed until November 2022.
David Gilbert
ACGHS WebmasterCoincidentally I had just completed going through my No. 9 1/2 sets to try to date them. Over the 10 years that the Automotive Sets were sold, there were a number of changes to the basic inventory that makes it a bit of a challenge without having access to the inventories for all years. The earlies sets did not build the Parachute Jump Ride. The few years had the P-51 motor with the reversing switch, but it then came with the A-49 that is what most people would recognize as the Erector Set motor as it endured for about 25 years. And while most are in a blue metal case, the last of them was in a red case. If you really want to get it completed, you need the inventories and it also helps to see photos of completed sets. As you found this group, joining would give you access to that information here.
As Dave said the “Bean book” is a big help esp. because it has some pictures. In the “free down load” section here you will find the inventory sheet. As also mentioned joining this club has some great perks. There is a great amount of information out there among the members that is unbelievable. Many times a handed down set, not only is missing a few pieces it will also have misc. pieces added. I just found a rare 1914 Mysto part box in great shape in a 1950 set. The owner said it was complete but they did not know the 14 parts were not the same as the 1950’s part tin.
As a side note, I commend you caring to hand the set down. Who knows it might spark interest in engineering etc., like the sets did for many in years past including my son.
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