Historical information

Gibbs Manufacturing Co initially made ploughs and other farming equipment. Eventually they branched out into toys.
Gibbs Manufacturing Company
Canton, Ohio
1884-2002

Gibbs Manufacturing originally was in the market of producing plows. In 1896, the company added toys, specializing in lithographed paper-on-wood, metal, wagons, spinning tops, and advertising toys. The company痴 first toy was a political spinning top for William McKinley to be given away as part of his campaign.

Gibbs success prompted competitors to make similar products in the same town. Schoenhut started to make similar toys. Click the Schoehnut chapter to view.

Gibbs Manufacturing Company declared bankruptcy in 2001. In March 2002 their buildings and equipment were auctioned. Gibbs toys are an unique combination of metal and wood, most designed to moved when pushed. B. Gropper toys are often confused by the public as Gibbs Toy.

Significance

Toys, childhhod, pre-car

Physical description

Wooden horse and cart, painted red, slat sides, metal axle, moveable wheels, attached to horse by metal rods. Horse originally covered with lithographed with horse's features and accoutrements. Most of the paper is missing. Horse has tin legs, which can be moved manually, leather reins. The wagon is a two wheeled hay wagon.