1950s, Ohio Art, Blue Willow 9pc Tin Child’s Tea Set. (H0521)

This is a very popular 9-pc Tin Child’s Tea Set, depicting the famous Blue Willow pattern . Blue Willow and Delft pattern were popular during the 1920-30s. It is beautifully lithographed and dimensions of these pieces are summarized as follows:

3 Cups                      1.25in H, 2.75inW, 2.25in in diameter
3 Saucers                   4.25in  in diameter
3 Plates.                     6in D

The set is in good played with condition and some have the usual wear, such as or surface rust, paint loss, scratches, dents etc. as shown in photos.

Dentist Henry Winzeler started the Ohio Art Company in 1908 and the name came from his lifelong interest in art.  This company purchased a property in Bryan Ohio in 1917 and began producing lithographed metal tea sets in the same year. In 1920, Ohio Art displayed their tin tea sets at the New York Toy Fair and incorporated in 1930. From 1942-44, Ohio Art stopped toy production and converted to making war products. Toy production resumed in 1945 or after World War II when war restriction on steel was lifted. It began using new plastics to make its traditional metal toys and tea sets. The company continued to grow, although the name might not be familiar with today’s young adults, however, their most popular product in 1960s “Etch a Sketch” made history. The company is till in operation today as a public held corporation in Bryan, Ohio.