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Merkurrefers to a metalconstruction setbuilt inCzechoslovakia(later theCzech Republic). It was also referred to asConstructoorBuild-Oin English-speaking countries andTeccin the Netherlands.
 | |
| Other names | Constructo, Build-O, Tecc |
|---|---|
| Type | Construction set |
| Inventor(s) | Jaroslav Vancl |
| Company | MERKUR TOYS s.r.o. |
| Country | Czech Republic |
| Availability | 1920–present |
| Materials | Steel |
| Official website | |
UnlikeErector/Meccano,which was based on Imperial/customary measurements, Merkur used metric. There is 1x1 cm raster of connection holes on building parts, connected byM3.5 screws.
The brand was launched in 1920 and ran until 1940 whenWorld War IIput a halt to production. It was resumed in 1947. The private company was closed down and its assets nationalised by theCommunist Czechoslovak statein 1953. The Merkur toys were made throughout the communist period and were exported all over Europe. The company was privatized by some of the former employees after 1989, but went into insolvency in 1993. Later on, Jaromír Kříž bought out the company and during three years he got back the production and saved this renowned Czech toy.[1]
In 1961,Otto Wichterleused Merkur based apparatus for experimental production of the first softcontact lenses[citation needed].
The factory and Merkur museum are located inPolice nad Metují,Czech Republic.
Merkur also produces a wide range of toys, including metal0 scalemodel trains and steam engines.
References
edit- ^MERKUR Toys homepageArchived2012-01-26 at theWayback Machine,brief history of the company.
External links
edit
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