H.B. Toys - Helm Brothers Toys started production of it's hollowcast alluninum alloy figures in New York, New York around 1946, owned by Brothers Frank and Walter Helm, both of which previously worked for Barclay. H.B. Toys stands for Helm Brothers Toys. There is not much information known on the beginning or ending of H.B. Toys, but production probably started after the restrictions were lifted on metal after WW2. By all indications, H.B. Toys went out of business in the late 1940's, somewhere around 1948. H.B. Toys produced crude copies of Barclay and Tommy Toy, but did produce a few original figures such as Captain Marvel and Captain Marvel Jr., which at first featured a lightening bolt. Both figures were later renamed Robeman and Robeboy, and lightening bolt removed, to avoid a copyright battle. The aluminum alloy which H.B. Toys used, if not properly mixed, caused the metal to expand and become brittle. This, paired with a limited production has made finding them in Mint condition difficult. H.B. Toys sold both sets and individual figures.
H.B. Toys had some unique characteristics because of rushed production. They never painted green bases for grass or facial features such as, eyes, eyebrows or mouths. They shot one base color and then did minimal detail work. Also all of the figures are painted in a single color, except the cowboys, which came in blue, yellow, white, black, grey and brown.
ALL Values based on Mint condition only
No.1000 Horse - $40.00
No.1002 Cowboy - $35.00
No.1004 Robe Boy, no lightening bolt - $4000.00
No.1004A Robe Boy, with lightening bolt - $5000.00
N0.1005 Policeman - $35.00
No.1006 Fireman - $65.00
No.1007 Mailman - $50.00
No.1011 Indian - $35.00
No.1012 Kneeling Indian - $45.00
No.1013 Kneeling Cowboy - $45.00
No.1014 Indian with Gun - $40.00
No.1015 Indian with Bow & Arrow - $40.00
No.1016 Cowboy Shooting - $35.00
No.1030 Sailor - $50.00
No.1035 Marine - $50.00
No.1040 Machine Gunner - $40.00
No.1040a Machine Gunner, open base casting variation - $45.00
No.1041 Marching Soldier - $50.00
No.1042 Marching Officer - $50.00
No.1043 Charging Soldier - $50.00
No.1044 Kneeling Soldier - $50.00
No.1045 Drummer - $50.00
No.1046 Bugler - $60.00
No.1047 Flagbearer - $75.00
No.1048 Wounded Soldier - $90.00
No.1049 Soldier Doctor - $90.00
No.1500 Mounted Cowboy - $45.00
No.1501 Mounted Indian - $65.00
No.1502 Mounted Cowboy Shooting in air - $125.00
No.1504 Robe Man - $5000.00
No.? Cowboy on rearing horse, which rests on its tail - Possibly a prototype and never produced
No.? Mounted Indian with Headdress - Possibly a prototype and never produced
No.? Mounted Indian with rifle - Possibly a prototype and never produced
