Founded by Edmonds-Metzel Hardware Co., of Chicago Illinois in 1907, American Flyer started its business in the model train industry. By 1918 Edmond-Metzel was so well known for its trains that they got out of the hardware business and changed their name to American Flyer Manufacturing Co.
American Flyer, AKA “Chicago Flyer” stamped its name in the industry as the “Budget Brand”. By undercutting its major competitor, Ives (large American Toy manufacturer 1868-1932), American Flyer clawed its way to the top and eventually was purchased by A.C. Gilbert Co. in 1925. Under the new leadership of A.C. Gilbert Co., by 1938, AF expanded its business to model Bicycles, Motorcycles, and Wagons, and by 1940 moved to full-scale bicycles as well.
In 1961, American Flyer’s owner A.C. Gilbert passed away. By 1966 AF discontinued model trains and eventually closed their doors in 1967. From its fall in 1967, American Flyer Manufacturing Co. disappeared as a business, until it was resurrected by a Southern California local entrepreneur in 1989.
