1987 Black & Decker Junior Play Steam Iron

A battery‑operated 1987 Black & Decker Junior toy steam iron made for children, styled after real household irons and produced under official license.

This Black & Decker Junior toy steam iron was produced in 1987 under official license from the Black & Decker Corporation. Made in China, this children’s replica features a cream (bone) plastic body with a deep brown handle, clearly inspired by the real household steam irons sold during the late 1980s.

The toy includes a battery‑operated heat/steam simulation mechanism (non‑functional today), a labelled temperature guide referencing fabrics such as cotton, silk, and rayon for doll clothes, and moulded buttons to imitate real controls. The underside is marked with licensing details: “©1987 The Black & Decker Corporation – Produced underlicense – Made in China.” This toy was part of the ‘Black & Decker Junior’ line, designed to teach household mimic play. The iron remains in fair vintage condition with some wear and ageing appropriate for its age.

Features

Measurements: 190 × 75 × 130 mm

Condition: Excellent

Date Note: Date is an estimate based on available research and stylistic features. If you have additional information, please contact us to help update our records.

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Made from the following materials

Hard plastic dolls and toys emerged as a significant innovation in the toy industry during the mid-20th century, revolutionizing the way dolls were designed and manufactured. Hard plastic is a type of thermoplastic, characterized by its durability, lightweight nature, and resistance to breakage. This material became popular for creating dolls, action figures, and various toys due to its versatility and ability to hold intricate details and vibrant colors.

The development of hard plastic allowed for the mass production of toys that were not only affordable but also more resilient than earlier materials like composition or porcelain. As a result, manufacturers were able to produce a wide variety of designs, from classic baby dolls to trendy fashion figures, each with detailed facial features and movable limbs. This material also enabled the incorporation of new techniques, such as molded hair and painted eyes, which enhanced the realism and appeal of the dolls.

Among the earliest forms of hard plastic used in toy manufacturing was **Bakelite**, created in the early 1900s by Belgian chemist Leo Baekeland. Bakelite is one of the first synthetic plastics, made from phenol and formaldehyde. Its properties, including heat resistance and electrical insulation, made it ideal for various applications, including toys. While Bakelite itself is not commonly used in doll-making today, its introduction paved the way for the development of modern plastics in the toy industry.

**Catalin** is another early form of hard plastic that emerged in the 1930s and was often used for creating vibrant toys and dolls. Like Bakelite, Catalin is a thermosetting plastic known for its durability and ability to hold color well. Catalin toys often featured bright, translucent colors and intricate designs, capturing the imaginations of children and collectors alike.

As hard plastic became the standard for many types of dolls and toys, it solidified its place in the industry, leading to the creation of iconic brands and beloved characters. Today, hard plastic dolls and toys continue to be popular, appreciated for their longevity and the nostalgia they evoke. Collectors value vintage hard plastic toys for their craftsmanship and the unique place they hold in the history of toy making.

At our museum, we celebrate the legacy of hard plastic dolls and toys, highlighting their role in shaping the modern toy industry and their enduring appeal across generations.

Country:

United States

The history of American toys spans Indigenous cornhusk dolls, the creativity of enslaved communities, and the rise of industrial giants like Mattel and Hasbro. Iconic toys like the teddy bear, Barbie, and GI Joe reflect the country’s diversity and cultural impact on the global stage.

Black & Decker was founded in 1910 in Baltimore by S. Duncan Black and Alonzo G. Decker, beginning as a small machine shop producing metal-working and woodworking equipment. By 1917, B&D revolutionised the industry with its patent for the first portable electric drill with a pistol-grip and trigger — a design that became a foundation of modern power tools. Over the following decades, the company expanded into a wide array of home-improvement products, power tools, and small household appliances. Although some modern listings under the Black & Decker brand mention “kids’ toys” or “kids’ tool sets,” there is no reliable historical evidence that B&D maintained a formal children’s toy range during its early to mid-20th-century heyday — unlike dedicated toy manufacturers. As a result, any vintage “toy tools” attributed to B&D should be carefully scrutinised for authenticity, provenance, and whether they were factory-produced or aftermarket/novelty items. Today, Black & Decker continues as part of Stanley Black & Decker, a global leader in tools, fasteners and home-improvement products, focusing on consumer and professional markets worldwide.

Produced by:

Black & Decker

Product Code:

T0139

Dimenions:

190(h)

x 75(w)