Gary Istok’s “History of LEGO” Series
Below is a compendium of articles by Gary R. Istok
outlining the history of various LEGO® elements. Although the information
below is unofficial and may contain inaccuracies, Gary has done huge amounts
of research and, as you’ll notice when you click up each of the articles,
has fueled many interesting discussions which have brought even more details
out into the open!
Printed Bricks
 | | Re: Fun OLD Bricks/History questions
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| (...) And I won't disappoint you, Alan! The named beams without LEGO on the studs are circa 1955-57. I have a few 1x6 white beams (some with names, some without) that don't have the LEGO logo. The (hollow bottom) named beams with the logo were from (...) (25 years ago, 17-Mar-00, to lugnet.general)
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Sloped Bricks
| | The History Of LEGO Sloped Bricks - Part 1
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| Today's topic is Regular LEGO Sloped Bricks from 1958-1972. LEGO sloped bricks today are available in many different angled slopes. The earliest of these (and by far the most common today) are the regular 45 degree slopes. These came out in the late (...) (25 years ago, 10-Sep-99, to lugnet.general)
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| | Re: The History Of LEGO Sloped Bricks - Part 1
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| Jeff, you asked a very good question. Texture was an interesting part of these sloped pieces. The 1958-72 parts packs basically had the same texture. Not until the mid-1970's did the texture on some of the LEGO bricks start to vary. My train station (...) (25 years ago, 14-Sep-99, to lugnet.general)
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Plates
| | The History of LEGO Plates - Part 1.
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| Since several of you have expressed enjoyment with my blathering about Lego history, I thought I would give you a 1956-65 history on the origins of Lego plates. If anyone has info that contradicts me, please feel free and let me know. Enjoy! Gary (...) (25 years ago, 14-Jul-99, to lugnet.general)
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| | Re: The History of LEGO Plates - Part 1.
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| (...) I sometimes have a hard time telling the difference. The pips on the 1x2 aren't a good indicator, because I have ABS 1x2 plates with that pip. Here is an overview of telling the difference: On new or hardly used pieces it is much easier. The (...) (25 years ago, 4-Aug-99, to lugnet.general)
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| | Re: The History of LEGO Plates - Part 1.
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| Ooops, I forgot clear bricks (Ben Rochow reminded me). See below. Gary Istok (...) Clear - Only the regular clear bricks were produced. The CA clear bricks have a yellow hue to them (probably yellowed over the years). Warping is common. The ABS (...) (25 years ago, 4-Aug-99, to lugnet.general)
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Windows & Doors
| | History of LEGO Windows...revisited
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| When I get some time, I want to generate an entirely new HISTORY OF LEGO WINDOWS document. But in the mean time, here are some brief updates...... Gary Istok ---...--- LEGEND CA= Cellulose Acetate - plastic used for windows from 1957-63. ABS = (...) (25 years ago, 7-Jan-00, to lugnet.general)
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| | LEGO Window & Door History - Part 3
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| I got a request recently to say a few more things about LEGO windows. I have to admit, though, that I don't know too much about the newer 1990's windows, and maybe someone else can take the baton for Part 4 -1990's windows (Town Jr.), for some of (...) (26 years ago, 29-Mar-99, to lugnet.build)
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(Read Part 1 and
Part 2 at www.deja.com)
Samsonite
| | What is Samsonite Lego?
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| OK, someone recently asked me what Samsonite Lego is. LEGO, as we all know was founded in Denmark. By the mid 1950's, it was sold throughout the Scandanavian countries of Europe. In 1956 it started selling in West Germany, Europes largest market. By (...) (25 years ago, 19-Aug-99, to lugnet.general)
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| | Re: U.S. Lego (Was Re: What is Samsonite Lego?)
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| I'm sure there are a lot of nuances that went into this decision. The Danish company was only into its' 8th year of exporting it's product when it entered the US market. As to whether tariffs were a consideration, I'm sure they were. Even the sets (...) (25 years ago, 23-Aug-99, to lugnet.general)
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On the subject of “old” elements
| | Re: When is Lego actually considered old?
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| (...) Ahhhhhh yessssss...... old LEGO. Cellulose Acetate was the material used in LEGO from the mid 50's thru 1963, although I have seen a few pieces it in sets as recent as 1966. Here's a rule of thumb, if it doesn't fit well, it's probably CA. If (...) (24 years ago, 21-Sep-00, to lugnet.general)
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