Meccano Parts

From the beginning of Meccano’s history, many competitors wanted to imitate Horby’s genious. Although the exact number is unknown, it is estimated that 600 separate products use the Meccano design as a base: bolting parts with holes in them together. This is what caused Meccano to mark all of their parts in an almost obsessive fashion. Thankfully, this makes being a collector much simpler with this method of differentiation.
While there are a few exceptions, nearly all Meccano parts are stamped with their name. The most common exception is those parts stamped before and during World War I. These parts were nickel-plated; stamping did not start until Meccano began painting the parts or using zinc. As a general rule of thumb, if the part is colored or zinc and does not say Meccano somewhere on it, it is not a Meccano part.
The next decade brought another convenient method of identifying Meccano parts. The French government made the decree in 1921 that any product sold in the country must have some sort of label of the country in which it was manufactured. Because France was a vital component of Meccano marketing, they simply stamped every part with “Fabrique en Angleterre” (Made in England). While this should make Meccano parts much easier to identify, some collectors still confuse them for knock off pieces manufactured in France! This French decree remained in effect until 1926. However, the markings became part of the essence of Meccano. For a few years after, “Made in England” was still stamped on the parts until it was replaced with the undeniable “Meccano” stamp.
As was previously stated, some people confuse the parts for knock off French pieces. There was a small factory in France in the 1920’s that stamped the parts with “Meccano France” because the major French factory was not built until 1930. The enormous demand for Meccano in the UK overflowed the Liverpool factory, and outside help was necessary. Collectors should not get confused. If a part was manufactured in France, it will still say “Meccano.” If it was manufactured in England in the early stages of the company, it may or may not say the name.
Parts manufactured after World War II are the easiest to identify. Meccano focused on export sales due to the foreign currency that was needed. Because of this change, the stamping process changed yet again. All post-WWII parts, up until the silver/yellow/black era, read “Meccano Made in England.” However, there is one word of caution. Many of the flexible plates that were manufactured towards the end of this period were stamped significantly lighter than the rest. Sometimes it is nearly invisible, but taking the time to go over the part with a fine-toothed comb will reveal the stamp.
The Meccano markings changed yet once more with the emergence of the zinc period in 1970. They simply read “Meccano England.” The company stamped every single piece, despite the rumors that the dark blue was not. Meccano parts collectors want to make sure that their prized collection is actually worthy of their praise. Following these guidelines can ensure their authenticity.