Strombecker Corporation
65+ years and still operating (founded 1961)
About Strombecker Corporation
Strombecker was the company that acquired the Tootsietoy line from Dowst in 1961 Manufacturing, continuing to produce Tootsietoy die-cast vehicles and also venturing into plastic model kits and slot cars in the 1960s.
History of Strombecker Corporation
Strombecker is the later identity of the Dowst business that made Tootsietoy — the Chicago firm that pioneered small die-cast toys on adapted Linotype machinery in the 1890s. The name comes from the Strombeck-Becker company, a wooden toy and model maker that merged into the group, and by 1961 Strombecker was the corporate name over the Tootsietoy brand.
Under Strombecker, Tootsietoy die-cast continued in production for decades: small cars and trucks, the Midget series, playsets and boxed assortments, sold at the low end of the market where Tootsietoy had always operated. The company also produced slot cars and model kits during the booms for each.
This is a good example of why brand and company history diverge. A "Tootsietoy" on the market may be a 1911 Dowst Model T, a 1930s boxed aircraft set, or a 1970s Strombecker chrome-plated car — and the value range across those is enormous.
Timeline
- 1926Dowst Manufacturing is formed by the merger of Dowst Brothers and Cosmo
- 1961The business trades as the Strombecker Corporation, continuing the Tootsietoy brand
- 1965Slot cars and model kits are produced alongside die-cast
- 1980Tootsietoy die-cast continues at the low end of the market
Notable & Best-Selling Toys
- Tootsietoy die-cast vehicles
- Tootsietoy Midget series
- Strombecker slot cars
- Strombecker model kits
Identifying & Dating Strombecker Corporation Toys
- Look for "TOOTSIETOY" cast into the underside with "MADE IN U.S.A."; Strombecker branding usually appears on packaging rather than on the toy.
- Construction dates the piece — one-piece castings with crimped axles are early; separate baseplates, plating and plastic wheels indicate later Strombecker-era production.
- Boxes and header cards carry the Strombecker corporate name, which brackets them after 1961.
Collector's Notes
- Prewar Dowst-era Tootsietoys are the collectable end; Strombecker-era production is plentiful and worth relatively little loose.
- Boxed sets and carded assortments are where value sits in later production, and the graphic packaging is much of the appeal.
- Establish the era before paying a premium — sellers frequently list 1970s Tootsietoys with prewar descriptions.
Currently for Sale on eBay
Live listings for Strombecker Corporation toys and collectibles, fetched directly from eBay.
As an eBay Partner, this site may earn a commission from qualifying purchases made through these links, at no extra cost to you. Figures shown are current asking prices on eBay, not appraised market values.
Categories
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Strombecker Corporation founded?
Strombecker Corporation was founded in 1961, based in Chicago, IL.
Is Strombecker Corporation still in business?
Yes. Strombecker Corporation is still operating today, 65+ years after it was founded.
What is Strombecker Corporation best known for?
Strombecker Corporation is best known for Tootsietoy die-cast vehicles, Tootsietoy Midget series, Strombecker slot cars, among other toys.
Where was Strombecker Corporation located?
Strombecker Corporation was based in Chicago, IL.
What kinds of toys did Strombecker Corporation make?
Strombecker Corporation is categorized under die-cast, vehicles.
How can you identify genuine Strombecker Corporation toys?
Look for "TOOTSIETOY" cast into the underside with "MADE IN U.S.A."; Strombecker branding usually appears on packaging rather than on the toy. Construction dates the piece — one-piece castings with crimped axles are early; separate baseplates, plating and plastic wheels indicate later Strombecker-era production. Boxes and header cards carry the Strombecker corporate name, which brackets them after 1961.
Are Strombecker Corporation toys valuable?
Prewar Dowst-era Tootsietoys are the collectable end; Strombecker-era production is plentiful and worth relatively little loose. Boxed sets and carded assortments are where value sits in later production, and the graphic packaging is much of the appeal. Establish the era before paying a premium — sellers frequently list 1970s Tootsietoys with prewar descriptions.