Maker record
Germany
Issmayer was a Nuremberg maker of tin toys, known particularly for penny toys and mechanical model railways. Its products formed part of the city’s metal-toy industry, which included simple toys as well as working clockwork models. From the 1870s the firm made clockwork railway toys, and in 1924 it offered an 18 mm table railway with embankment track, locomotives, carriages and accessories. Issmayer’s railway range connected an established tin-toy trade with the growing market for compact model trains.
- Founded
- 1861
- Final year
- 1902
- Countries
- Germany
- Locations
- Nuremberg, Germany
- Founders
- Johann A. Issmayer
The story of Germany
The company was founded by Johann Andreas Issmayer in 1861 in the heart of the world toy-making capital, Nuremberg, Germany, marking the beginning of a rich legacy infused with craftsmanship and innovation. Harnessing the technology of the time, the brand created mechanical wonders, captivating an entire generation with their wind-up toys, flying machines, train sets, and more. One interesting fact is that alongside sophisticated steam and clockwork models, JAJ also produced simpler tin toys, demonstrating their dedication to bringing joy to children of all backgrounds and economic classes. Their toys have become valuable collectors' items, bringing character to any vintage toy collection.