The design concept was by Michael Adler  in Israel (thank you Michael!), Founder of the International Society of Meccanomen, originally for a Postage Stamp to celebrate the Centenary. The stamp did not eventuate, so I developed the design, using the cover of an early postwar Instruction Book (the original used was green - the Accessory Set Books had orange, green and blue covers) - (thank you, Photoshop!), added inventor Frank Hornby's portrait (thank you, to the unknown photographer and Meccano Magazine, November 1936). It proved popular at the New Zealand Federation of Meccano Modellers Convention in Upper Hutt in April, 2001. Note the Meccano boy's orange hair! There were also a green and blue versions, as above, and these 'colored hair' editions are quite collectable. So there's nothing new, punk rockers! This hair colouring was removed in later editions.

 

ME6. Here is one of the prototypes on which the Giant Blocksetting Crane models were based - and this is a whole field of study in itself - a classic Meccano Magazine cover from February 1936.

The 1930's were the great period of the 'M.M.'. It went into economy mode throughout WW2, and never really recovered before its collapse and resurrection in a number of different forms before its demise. The story of the magazine is a saga as well.

 

ME2.  Meccano Boy, Kitten, Crane. 

This artwork was used repeatedly by Meccano Ltd through the years, in many variations. This one is from a Meccano Set Box.
 
 

ME3.  The 'Meccano Boy'.  

This one is made from a shop 'Point-of-Sale' display.Originals are keenly sought after by collectors.

ME5. 'So Easy to Make'? - I wonder..

and 'Father' looks more like 'Grandfather'! Inside of Set Box Lid from around 1917.

ME7. Here's the front and rear cover from a rare brochure, c1923.
Not much Meccano as such, but a dramatic and moody picture, a rare departure for Meccano Ltd. Note the brilliant red pavillion entrances in the foreground.

As an aside, here's a version of the illustration used in America.

M12. Here's the front and back cover of another similar American Brochure. I can't date this one - no discernable printer's codes - can anyone date it, please?

M13. Here's the back cover.

ME8. There has been much debate about the 'Toy of theCentury',
but there is little doubt - Meccano claimed that honour as long ago as 1954..

ME9. And even if it was not so, they were certainly 'Toys of Quality'.

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