Crescent Toys
58 years in operation (1921–1979)
About Crescent Toys
Crescent produced lead and later plastic toy soldiers, die-cast vehicles, and cowboy and Indian figures. Their soldiers and small die-cast vehicles were sold throughout the UK via Woolworth's and similar retailers.
Founding
Henry George Eagles and Arthur Alfred Schneider, who founded the firm in London and later moved production to Cwmcarn in South Wales.
History of Crescent Toys
Crescent began in the crowded London lead-figure trade, hollow-casting soldiers, cowboys, farm animals and civilians in direct competition with Britains at a lower price point. Its early reputation was for value rather than refinement, and it sold heavily through general and toy shops rather than the specialist trade.
The postwar move to Cwmcarn, taking advantage of Welsh development incentives, coincided with two profitable diversifications. The first was die-cast: Crescent produced vehicles, artillery and a well-regarded series of Grand Prix racing cars. The second, and commercially the larger, was cap guns — Crescent became one of Britain's principal makers of die-cast cowboy pistols and rifles at exactly the moment television westerns made them essential playground equipment.
The company also produced plastic figures as lead was phased out on safety grounds, and closed at the end of the 1970s when the British toy industry as a whole contracted against imports.
Timeline
- 1921Crescent Toys is founded in London, hollow-casting lead figures
- 1948Production moves to Cwmcarn, South Wales
- 1955Die-cast vehicles and cap-firing cowboy guns become the company's largest lines
- 1960A well-regarded series of Grand Prix racing cars is produced
- 1979The company closes
Notable & Best-Selling Toys
- Crescent lead soldiers
- Crescent Cowboys & Indians set
- Crescent die-cast cars
- Crescent space toys (1950s)
Identifying & Dating Crescent Toys
- Figures are marked "CRESCENT" underfoot or on the base, sometimes with "MADE IN ENGLAND"; die-cast bases are cast "CRESCENT TOYS" with "MADE IN ENGLAND".
- Cap guns carry "CRESCENT" cast into the frame, usually alongside a model name.
- Hollow-cast lead indicates pre-1960 production; solid plastic figures are later.
Collector's Notes
- Carded and boxed cap guns are the strongest part of this market, because the card artwork and the western branding are what buyers want and almost none of it survived.
- The die-cast racing cars are collected as a series and are worth considerably more complete than individually.
- Lead figures should be checked for fatigue and repainting. Crescent factory painting is simpler than Britains and easier to imitate, so be sceptical of unusually bright examples.
Currently for Sale on eBay
Live listings for Crescent Toys 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 Crescent Toys founded?
Crescent Toys was founded in 1921, based in London, England.
Is Crescent Toys still in business?
No. Crescent Toys ceased operations in 1979, after 58 years in business.
What is Crescent Toys best known for?
Crescent Toys is best known for Crescent lead soldiers, Crescent Cowboys & Indians set, Crescent die-cast cars, among other toys.
Where was Crescent Toys located?
Crescent Toys was based in London, England.
What kinds of toys did Crescent Toys make?
Crescent Toys is categorized under soldiers, die-cast, vehicles.
Who founded Crescent Toys?
Henry George Eagles and Arthur Alfred Schneider, who founded the firm in London and later moved production to Cwmcarn in South Wales.
How can you identify genuine Crescent Toys?
Figures are marked "CRESCENT" underfoot or on the base, sometimes with "MADE IN ENGLAND"; die-cast bases are cast "CRESCENT TOYS" with "MADE IN ENGLAND". Cap guns carry "CRESCENT" cast into the frame, usually alongside a model name. Hollow-cast lead indicates pre-1960 production; solid plastic figures are later.
Are Crescent Toys valuable?
Carded and boxed cap guns are the strongest part of this market, because the card artwork and the western branding are what buyers want and almost none of it survived. The die-cast racing cars are collected as a series and are worth considerably more complete than individually. Lead figures should be checked for fatigue and repainting. Crescent factory painting is simpler than Britains and easier to imitate, so be sceptical of unusually bright examples.