Grey Iron Casting Co. American Family Cast Iron Set *SOLD*

American Family Cast Iron Set by Grey Iron

O’Brien’s Collecting Toys teases this American figure set as an extra special toy.  They note that “This set is only one of two known” and picture it on page  534 or the Soldier section in the 12th Edition.  We have the opportunity to offer a complete set with house for our readers.

Part of the set is incredibly iconic, with little Sally (I’ll assume) skipping rope in front of the home and little Jack flying a kit on the lawn.  Dad must work at the gas station, because he is leaving home with mom saying goodbye.  The milk man is walking down the street, and grandma and grandpa are sitting on a bench off in the distance, together.  We even have a woman with a basket of goods walking by.

Then one may sense a bit of racism below the surface (or not) and we can see a black maid in the aft of the property.  Then a black man is gardening to the side.  Now I may be incorrect, but I raise my eyebrow as I review the positioning in the booklet and O’Brien’s.  Maybe, just possibly, this perception has to do with the extremely small number of these sets that were produced.  In fact the figures are known as “Colored man digging and Colored Cook.”

This Grey Iron American Family set is a treat to arrange.  It attests to the manicured perception of American Life in the 40’s and 50’s.  It also speaks to racial inequality, or at least challenges in Black America.  -Toys are great historic touch-stones.