The Meccano sets we know today began life as Mechanics Made Easy, the original name used in 1901 by Frank Hornby for his then new construction toy. The first enthusiast within the toy industry for Hornby's new product was Percy Bedington of James Bedington and Son, trading as Tessted. Acknowledging Bedington's support and enthusiasm, Hornby's early Mechanics Made Easy boxes illustrated a Tessted 'dribbler' while later boxes showed a Tessted 4-4-0 locomotive. Furthermore, the first steam engines sold for use with Mechanics Made Easy in 1907 were made by Tessted. Hornby registered the Meccano trademark in 1907, and formed Meccano Limited the following year.
An early Meccanics Made Easy set, illustrating a Tessted Dribbler |
Meccano Mechanics Made Easy miniature advertising sign |
Meccano Mechanics Made Easy Set 1 Image credit Vectis Auctions |
Meccano Mechanics Made Easy Set 1A Image credit Vectis Auctions |
Meccano Mechanics Made Easy Set 2A Image credit Vectis Auctions |
Meccano Mechanics Made Easy Set A Image credit Vectis Auctions |
Meccano Mechanics Made Easy Set B Image credit Vectis Auctions |
Meccano Mechanics Made Easy Set C Image credit Vectis Auctions |
Meccano Mechanics Made Easy Set X Image credit Vectis Auctions |
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