Maker record
Francis, Field & Francis
Francis, Field & Francis was an early American toy manufacturer based in Philadelphia, also known as the Philadelphia Tin Toy Manufactory. Founded in 1838, the firm imported and made tin goods before toys became its main product. Its first manufactured toy was a horse-drawn fire engine, and it also sold imported French and German toys. The firm was among the earliest toy manufacturers in the United States.
- Founded
- 1838
- Countries
- United Kingdom
- Locations
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States · 1838
- Founders
- Frank Francis · Henry Field · Richard Francis
The story of Francis, Field & Francis
Francis, Field & Francis began manufacturing toys in Philadelphia in 1838. The company, also known as the Philadelphia Tin Toy Manufactory, operated at 80 North Second Street. It advertised imported French and German toys and produced toys of its own. The Strong National Museum of Play identifies a horse-drawn fire engine as its first manufactured toy. A print dated 1846 shows toys displayed in the storefront windows alongside saddlery, hardware and lard lamps, indicating that the business sold other goods as well as toys.