Pyro Plastics Corporation
28 years in operation (1948–1976)
About Pyro Plastics Corporation
Pyro was an early producer of plastic toy figures and small model kits. Their plastic figure sets, vehicles, and simple model kits were sold through dime stores alongside those of rivals such as Lido and Marx. Pyro's plastic army men sets were a staple of American boyhood.
History of Pyro Plastics Corporation
Pyro was one of the pioneers of American injection-moulded toys, moulding polystyrene figures and vehicles from the late 1940s when the technology was still new and the results still crude. Its army men, cowboys, Indians and pirates were sold in bags and boxed sets and are part of the same trade as Marx, Lido, Nosco and Ideal.
The company also produced simple plastic model kits, and this is where Pyro is now best remembered. Its kits of veteran cars, motorcycles, aircraft, ships and — most collectably — a range of subjects nobody else attempted, are crude by modern standards but were cheap and accessible, and the tooling has been reissued for decades.
Pyro was absorbed into Life-Like Products, and its model tooling has passed through several hands since, with kits reappearing under Life-Like, Lindberg and later brands. A "Pyro" kit on the market today may be an original 1950s issue or a reissue from the same moulds fifty years later.
Timeline
- 1948Pyro Plastics Corporation begins injection moulding toys in Union, New Jersey
- 1952Moulded plastic figures and vehicles are produced in volume
- 1958Simple plastic model kits become a significant part of the business
- 1970The company is absorbed into Life-Like Products
- 1976Production under the Pyro name ends; tooling is reissued under other brands
Notable & Best-Selling Toys
- Pyro plastic army men
- Pyro plastic cowboy sets
- Pyro plastic vehicle sets
- Pyro simple model kits
- Pyro plastic pirate figures
Identifying & Dating Pyro Plastics Corporation Toys
- Look for "PYRO" moulded into parts, chassis pieces or figure bases, with a part number and "Made in U.S.A.".
- Kit boxes carry the Pyro name and a stock number; box art style and the copyright date distinguish original issues from reissues.
- Reissues may carry Life-Like or Lindberg branding on the box while the plastic still reads Pyro.
Collector's Notes
- Sealed original-issue kits with original box art are the collected items, and unusual subjects are worth more than the common cars and aircraft.
- Early polystyrene figures become brittle and snap at rifle barrels, arms and axles. Bagged and boxed sets with headers are where the value is.
- Check for warped parts and hardened or missing decals on open kits, and establish original issue versus reissue before paying a vintage price.
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Frequently Asked Questions
When was Pyro Plastics Corporation founded?
Pyro Plastics Corporation was founded in 1948, based in Union, NJ.
Is Pyro Plastics Corporation still in business?
No. Pyro Plastics Corporation ceased operations in 1976, after 28 years in business.
What is Pyro Plastics Corporation best known for?
Pyro Plastics Corporation is best known for Pyro plastic army men, Pyro plastic cowboy sets, Pyro plastic vehicle sets, among other toys.
Where was Pyro Plastics Corporation located?
Pyro Plastics Corporation was based in Union, NJ.
What kinds of toys did Pyro Plastics Corporation make?
Pyro Plastics Corporation is categorized under plastic toys, figures, vehicles, model kits.
How can you identify genuine Pyro Plastics Corporation toys?
Look for "PYRO" moulded into parts, chassis pieces or figure bases, with a part number and "Made in U.S.A.". Kit boxes carry the Pyro name and a stock number; box art style and the copyright date distinguish original issues from reissues. Reissues may carry Life-Like or Lindberg branding on the box while the plastic still reads Pyro.
Are Pyro Plastics Corporation toys valuable?
Sealed original-issue kits with original box art are the collected items, and unusual subjects are worth more than the common cars and aircraft. Early polystyrene figures become brittle and snap at rifle barrels, arms and axles. Bagged and boxed sets with headers are where the value is. Check for warped parts and hardened or missing decals on open kits, and establish original issue versus reissue before paying a vintage price.