Joustra
46 years in operation (1934–1980)
About Joustra
Joustra was a significant French tin toy manufacturer producing lithographed battery-operated and friction vehicles, robots, and novelty toys for the European and export markets. Their tin robot figures and space toys of the 1950s–1970s are particularly sought after.
History of Joustra
Joustra of Strasbourg was France's principal postwar tinplate toy maker and the French answer to the German and Japanese trades. Its range covered lithographed cars, motorcycles, police vehicles, racing sets and — most collectably — space toys: tin robots and space scooters made at the height of the late-1950s space craze.
The space toys are what the market wants. Joustra robots have a distinctly European look, less angular than the Japanese equivalents and printed in strong flat colour, and they were made in much smaller numbers than the Tokyo output because the French domestic market was the primary target rather than American export.
Joustra also produced friction and battery-driven vehicles, and continued in business into the 1980s. Its comparative obscurity outside France means good pieces sometimes surface at prices that would be unthinkable for equivalent Japanese tinplate.
Timeline
- 1934Joustra is established in Strasbourg
- 1950Lithographed tinplate cars, motorcycles and racing sets lead the postwar range
- 1958Tin robots and space toys are produced at the height of the space craze
- 1965Battery-operated vehicles broaden the range
- 1980Production ends
Notable & Best-Selling Toys
- Joustra tin robot
- Joustra space scooter
- Joustra tin race car set
- Joustra tin police car
- Joustra tin motorcycle
Identifying & Dating Joustra Toys
- Look for "JOUSTRA" lithographed on the toy or base, with "Made in France"; a stylised Joustra logo appears on boxes.
- Box artwork is distinctively French in style and is the best identification aid for boxed examples.
- Some Joustra product was made under licence or in cooperation with other European makers, so a Joustra box may contain a toy also sold under another name.
Collector's Notes
- Robots and space toys are the premium items, and they need their antennae, arms and battery covers, all of which are routinely missing.
- Battery compartments corrode and destroy the surrounding lithography — check inside before buying, since sellers rarely photograph it.
- French collector interest sets the price. European auction results are a better guide than general listings, where Joustra is often under-recognised.
Currently for Sale on eBay
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Frequently Asked Questions
When was Joustra founded?
Joustra was founded in 1934, based in Strasbourg, France.
Is Joustra still in business?
No. Joustra ceased operations in 1980, after 46 years in business.
What is Joustra best known for?
Joustra is best known for Joustra tin robot, Joustra space scooter, Joustra tin race car set, among other toys.
Where was Joustra located?
Joustra was based in Strasbourg, France.
What kinds of toys did Joustra make?
Joustra is categorized under tin toys, battery operated, vehicles, robots.
How can you identify genuine Joustra toys?
Look for "JOUSTRA" lithographed on the toy or base, with "Made in France"; a stylised Joustra logo appears on boxes. Box artwork is distinctively French in style and is the best identification aid for boxed examples. Some Joustra product was made under licence or in cooperation with other European makers, so a Joustra box may contain a toy also sold under another name.
Are Joustra toys valuable?
Robots and space toys are the premium items, and they need their antennae, arms and battery covers, all of which are routinely missing. Battery compartments corrode and destroy the surrounding lithography — check inside before buying, since sellers rarely photograph it. French collector interest sets the price. European auction results are a better guide than general listings, where Joustra is often under-recognised.