Meccano

Frank Hornby’s company in Liverpool; the Meccano construction set, Hornby trains and Dinky Toys cars (1934).

Frank Hornby was a clerk in Liverpool who made a construction kit for his sons with metal strips with holes, screws and nuts. He took out a patent in 1901, and the system was named Meccano.

Meccano Ltd also made Hornby's toy trains and the Dinky Toys model cars. Meccano became a symbol of engineering play and has been made in several countries.

Meccano Ltd Liverpool stamped on parts and boxes; set number on the box.

• Toys
• Meccano
• Frank Hornby