The oldest LEGO gun is a wooden toy pistol first produced by the company in 1945.
LEGO's journey into creating toy weapons began much earlier than many might realize, predating the widespread introduction of its famous plastic building bricks. The company's history shows a clear evolution in its product offerings, starting with traditional materials before transitioning to plastic.
The Genesis of LEGO Toy Weapons
The initial foray into toy firearms by LEGO demonstrates the company's early diverse product line, extending beyond construction toys.
The Original Wooden Pistol
In 1945, LEGO started manufacturing a wooden version of a toy pistol. This marked the introduction of toy firearms into their product range, reflecting common toy trends of the era. This early model was entirely made of wood, showcasing the company's roots in wooden toy production.
Key facts about the original model:
- First Produced: 1945
- Material: Wood
- Type: Toy pistol
Following its successful introduction, LEGO recognized the value of its design and applied for a patent for this wooden pistol model in 1946, aiming to protect its intellectual property.
The Transition to Plastic
As manufacturing technologies advanced and new materials became available, LEGO began to adapt. Just a few years after the wooden version, the company started producing a plastic version of a rapid-firing pistol in 1949. This shift highlighted LEGO's move towards plastic as a primary material for its toys, a transition that would define its future product lines.
Timeline of Early LEGO Toy Guns
The following table summarizes the early development and production of LEGO's toy guns:
| Year | Product Type | Material | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1945 | Toy Pistol | Wooden | First production of a LEGO toy gun. |
| 1946 | Patent Application | Wooden | Patent sought for the wooden pistol model. |
| 1949 | Rapid-Firing Pistol | Plastic | Introduction of a plastic toy gun. |
This historical progression illustrates LEGO's early engagement with toy weaponry, long before the controversies surrounding weapon depictions in their popular brick sets of later decades.
