Above my Model 500 woodburning tool or "Wonder Pen" from this company.
I don't know when they started making it, but the ad below celebrates its return to production at the end of World War II:
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| Popular Mechanics, December 1945 |
Ten years later it was still doing well, with accessories in a bigger kit:
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| Life, November 1955 |
The company also made tool kits for boys:
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| Boys Life, January 1948 |
The company was co-founded by Meyer and Eleanor Rapaport. On Meyer's death in 1959, his son Gerald gave up his career as a clinical psychologist to take over the reigns of the company. In addition to the products above, the American Toy & Furniture Company manufactured highly decorated children's furniture and games, which were sold through catalogues such as Sears, particular for the Christmas season. Mr. Rapaport died in 1987, and the company filed for bankruptcy in December 1992.
I am trying to get my 12 year old nephew interested in wood burning. I also have a simple model 500 woodburner from American Toy & Furniture. I received it for Christmas when I was 11 years old so Christmas 2018 will mean that it is 45 years old. I was thrilled to see this same model on your blog but sad to see that the company had to file bankruptcy instead of someone making the Rapaport legacy live on.
ReplyDeleteI just purchased my first one at a second hand store for $1.50 ... Hope it last the rest of my life
ReplyDeleteOf course it will!
ReplyDeleteYea because it was made back when America made stuff that was made to last. Not like the crap made these days
ReplyDeleteI have one also but cant get the tip out to change any suggestions
ReplyDeleteI am the granddaughter of the founders. Gerald Rapaport was my dad. It is so nice to hear your praises. Enjoy your wood burning set
ReplyDeleteHi, my name is Francis, I'm trying to talk to the granddaughter of the founder. I have a bunch of questions and would like to post the company history on my website. Thanks fwyso129@uwsp.edu is my email.
ReplyDelete