Maker record
Unique Art
Unique Art Manufacturing Company was an American maker of lithographed tin toys, including wind-up mechanical toys, comic-character novelties and toy trains. Based in Newark, New Jersey, it also maintained a New York City showroom. Its products included animated figures, character bands and clockwork vehicles. From 1949 the company made O gauge trains, first in clockwork versions and later in electric versions, using both newly designed and acquired tooling.
- Founded
- 1916
- Countries
- United States
- Locations
- Newark, New Jersey
- Founders
- Ephraim Spiegel · Ilye Spiegel
The story of Unique Art
Unique Art Manufacturing Company was instituted in Newark, New Jersey, and is a story of innovation and commitment to quality. The company was established by brothers Ephraim and Ilye Spiegel in 1916. Initially, they started with a novelty business which quickly evolved into a full-fledged toy making venture. Their debut manufacturing endeavor was a tin, wind-up toy dubbed "Lindy" inspired by the historic transatlantic flight of Charles Lindbergh in 1927. This very creation laid the foundation of what the company is renowned for today - moving, mechanical toys. During World War II, their toy production was halted to manufacture war-time essentials. Post-war, their toy production resumed, and they diversified their offerings by introducing comic and cartoon characters.