Gila museum features ToostieToy collection

The Gila County Historical Museum was recently gifted a large collection of TootsieToys — miniature die-cast replicas of cars and trucks. These are permanently displayed at the museum.  

TootsieToy's origins trace back to the 1890s in Chicago, where the Dowst brothers initially ran a trade publication before acquiring a linotype machine to cast small metal novelties. Over time, they pivoted toward miniature toys, and by the early 1920s, "Tootsie" had become a recognized brand name, with "TootsieToy" officially trademarked in 1924. 

The line expanded to include everything from miniature trains and planes to dollhouse furniture and candy box prizes, eventually becoming one of the most recognizable names in American toy history. TootsieToy also made metal prizes for Cracker Jack boxes, and may have supplied cast pieces for early Monopoly sets. 

Collectibility

According to Worthpoint, an internet company helping collectors put a price on items, the pre-war era, roughly 1920s to 1940s, is where the serious collector interest lies. Collector interest in post-1945 TootsieToy vehicles is limited, and post-1945 pieces are considerably more affordable compared to pre-1940 examples. Boxed sets and character toys such as the Buck Rogers series remain of interest to those with nostalgia for the era. 

By the 1960s, competitors like Mattel (Hot Wheels) and Tyco (Matchbox) began producing finely detailed replica vehicles, while TootsieToy continued churning out more generic designs, a decision that gradually eroded its market position and collector appeal for later pieces. 

Rare and sought-after pieces

Some of the most prized TootsieToys are promotional and limited-issue models. The 1932 Graham diecast set — which included a sedan, town car, coupe, roadster, dual cowl convertible, delivery panel truck, and tow truck — is believed to have been produced as an advertising premium for the Graham automobile company, making them among the earliest known promotional toy automobiles. The 1935 LaSalle, made specifically for General Motors and packaged in a distinctive blue and dark rose box, is another confirmed promotional piece. The 1936 Lincoln Zephyr, which came in a gift set with a "Roamer" camper trailer, is also considered a desirable find. 

Complete original boxed sets command the highest prices. PBS reported that a 1930s Graham deluxe motor set in its original box, even with one well-played piece, was appraised on Antiques Roadshow at $2,000 to $3,000.