Manufacturer Manoil American, 1927 – 1959

Indian

Place madeNew York, United States

Painted metal

Gift of the Estate of Murry and Arlene Bakel

2022.17.22

The Manoil Manufacturing Co. Inc. was founded in 1927 in Greenwich Village by Jack (1900‒1955) and Maurice Manoil (1894‒1974). The two brothers were Romanian Jewish immigrants who arrived in New York with their parents and siblings in 1913. Although it is unclear how and why the brothers began manufacturing toys, both worked in metals and oil production prior to establishing the firm. Manoil Manufacturing Co. Inc. initially fabricated inexpensive toy soldiers made of painted lead that became known for their lively expressions and engaging postures. The firm expanded quickly during the 1930s. By the early 1940s, Manoil was manufacturing thousands of different types of toy figurines, automobiles, airplanes, and playset designs. Like other prominent American toy makers, Manoil often marketed and displayed their figurines and playsets in dime stores where children could purchase them for a few cents. Manoil relocated to an upstate factory in Waverly, New York, in 1940. As one of the US’s largest toy manufacturers at the time, they employed 300 workers and their products were available in nearly 5,000 across the nation. After the US entered World War II, material shortages necessitated that the firm cease operations. The closure was only temporary, however, as the war sparked renewed interest in toy soldiers and other military miniatures. Manoil resumed production in 1945 and shuttered permanently in 1953. Despite its relatively short period of activity, the Manoil Manufacturing Co. Inc. (along with Barclay’s) dominated the American metal toy and dime store figure market during the 1930s and 1940s. New-York Historical’s Patricia J. Klingenstein Library has Manoil Manufacturing Co. Inc.’s business records, working drawings, sales and marketing materials, and other ephemera.

MarkingsEmbossed at the back: "MADE IN USA"; "22"; "M" in a conforming circe.

ProvenanceManoil and Bakel families; to New-York Historical Society.

ClassificationsTOYS

DescriptionA Native American male figure wearing a headdress, green necklace, and loincloth with a silver dagger in each hand. Model #22.

Object NameMetal Figure