Knapp
Description
Knapp Electric & Novelty Company was an American manufacturer known for producing early electric toy trains, science kits, and mechanical toys. The company was one of the pioneers in introducing battery-powered model trains and educational electrical experiment sets.
Knapp’s products were designed to teach children about electricity and mechanics through hands-on play. Their toy trains, often made of tinplate, featured simple yet effective electric motors, making them one of the earliest electric train brands in the U.S.
Knapp was founded in the late 19th century, capitalizing on the growing interest in electricity and mechanical innovation. The company produced a wide range of educational toys, including electric motors, telegraph kits, and one of the first commercially available electric trains.
By the 1930s and 1940s, competition from brands like Lionel and American Flyer, which offered more advanced model trains, led to Knapp’s decline. The company eventually faded from the market, and little is documented about its final years. Today, Knapp toys and trains are considered rare collectibles, often found in museums and private collections.
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