BAYKO in Gamages Catalogues

Retailer Gamages, “The World's Greatest Toy Shop” - their words not mine - was a large department store, located in Holborn, London which, like many of its type, also operated a mail order service. It began modestly in 1878 and died, in the early 1970s, after an ill thought out expansion plan, with a foray into Romford, in deepest Essex.
In the MECCANO era, BAYKO was a regular visitor to their catalogue. There may well be far more Plimpton era entries, but I've only identified five so far, spanning no less than twenty three years!
Two images of Harrods, both of which pre-date BAYKO
I'm sure you'll be intrigued to know that BAYKO was sold alongside a range of firearms in the Toys and Sporting Department!!!
If you've got any other BAYKO images from Gamages, or any other mail order catalogues, then I'd love to hear from you…
The catalogues shown here are in two forms : -
►
The Gamages Christmas versions of the main Departmental Store Catalogues were generally produced on paper similar to newsprint [the same as newspapers are made from] and are shown first.
►
The Gamages Toy Department Catalogues, again mainly associated with Christmas, were printed on glossy magazine type paper and are shown lower down.
 
The two sections below are both shown in strictly chronological order - or would be if Mr Gamage hadn't declared his newsprint examples, in particular, to be date-free zones, not even a decipherable printer's code! Who'd be an archivist‽

Gamages Christmas Toys and Games - 1936
This image [right] is from page 11 of the Gamages Christmas Toys and Games catalogue, issued in 1936.
This is the earliest retail outlet I've established for BAYKO…
…considering it dates from just two years after BAYKO's launch, getting into Gamages catalogue is no mean achievement.
The BAYKO insert is clearly visible just below centre - click anywhere on the image to see a larger copy of the BAYKO section.
The script is as follows : -
“'BAYKO' SET No. 2”
“The new BAKELITE constructional toy.”
“Realistic models can be built from even the smallest set. The bakelite bricks, arches, corners, etc., are fastened together by steel pins of various lengths. A detailed book of instructions is included in each set.”
“Makes 60 models.”
“10/6”
“Smaller Set, 7/6.”
“Larger Sets, 15/- and 21/-.”
The price list suggests Gamages only stocked sets #1 to #4 at the time.
Page 11 of the Gamages Christmas Toys and Games catalogue, 1936
1936
The BAYKO insertion is shown just below centre.

The next two entries have both claimed custody of 1938!!!
The first item [immediately below] is the more credible…
…as it comes from a, presumably well researched, reprint.
The other claimant [next one down] was researched by its eBay vendor and was his best estimate based on content.

Gamages Xmas Bazaar - 1938 - probably!
Page 3 of the Gamages Xmas Bazaar catalogue, 1938
This image [left] is from page 3 of a replica of the Gamages original, printed by Leonid Orbits, 66, Thorns Road, Bolton, BL1 6PD.
Perhaps naively, I'm relying on the research done by the reprint company being accurate, and delivering the correct date - 1938…
I can't speak for the original print quality, but this image has suffered somewhat - never-the-less, the surprisingly modern presentation style is not unimpressive.
The BAYKO insert is clearly visible, top left - click on the main image to see a larger copy of the BAYKO section.
The script is as follows : -
““BAYKO” No. 2 SET”
“Realistic models can be built from even the smallest set. The bakelite bricks, arches, corners, etc., are fastened together by steel pins of various lengths. A detailed book of instructions is included in each set.”
“Makes 60 models”
“10/6”
“Smaller Set, 7/6.”
“Larger Sets, 15/- and 21/-.”
1938?
The BAYKO insertion is shown top left.

Gamages Xmas Bazaar - 1938 - probably not!
This image [right] is from page 3 [of 16] of what Mr eBay said was Gamages 1938 Christmas Bazaar. Personally, I think 1937 or 1939 are both more likely…
The BAYKO insert is clearly visible, top left - click on the main image to see a larger copy of this BAYKO section.
Again, the busy, surprisingly modern presentation style is not unimpressive.
The script is as follows : -
““BAYKO” No. 2 SET”
“The Popular Bakelite Constructional Toy.”
“Realistic models can be built from even the smallest set. The bakelite bricks, arches, corners, etc., are fastened together by steel pins of various lengths. A detailed book of instructions is included in each set.”
“Makes 60 models”
“10/6”
“Smaller Set, 7/6.”
“Larger Sets, 15/- and 21/-.”
Page 3 of the Gamages Xmas Bazaar catalogue, 1938??
1938?
The BAYKO insertion is shown top left.

Gamages Xmas Bazaar - 1957
Page 4 of the Gamages Xmas Bazaar catalogue, 1957
This Gamages Christmas Bazaar catalogue is printed on semi-glossy, decent quality, newsprint paper.
The printing is in black ink on white paper, apart from the front and back covers and the centre page spread, which are all in full colour.
The image [left] is from page 4 of the catalogue, and includes the BAYKO entry, which can be seen at the bottom right hand corner of the page.
Slide your mouse over the image the BAYKO entry will be highlighted. Click anywhere on the image to show a larger version of the BAYKO entry.
Although it was regularly used in contemporary press adverts elsewhere, this is the only Gamages entry to use this particular style of artwork - so far.
 
The script reads as follows : -
“The children can build what they like with BAYKO”
“THE ORIGINAL PLASTIC BUILDING SET.”
“No. 0 Standard Set 14/-”
“No. 0X Converting Set 7/-”
“No. 1 Standard Set 21/-”
“No. 1X Converting Set 10/6”
“No. 2 Standard Set 31/6”
“No. 2X Converting Set 21/-”
“No. 3 Standard Set 52/3”
“No. 3X Converting Set 47/-”
“No. 4 Standard Set 99/3”
  
“Post & Pkg. extra outside our own van delivery area.”
“Sets up to 14/-, 1/6; 21/-, 1/9; 31/6, 2/-; 47/-, 2/6.”
“Each set provides hours of constructive leisure, as there is no limit to the number and type of models that can be built. The wide variation of detailed parts gives a realistic appearance to each model, that satisfies even the most critical juvenile architect.”
It may be too late to do anything about it, but there's no post and packaging charge given for either set #3 or set #4.
273 x 354 mm = 10.8 x 14.0 inches
Gamages 1957 Christmas Bazaar catalogue front cover
Gamages Christmas Bazaar
1957 catalogue
Front Cover

Gamages Christmas Bazaar - 1958
This image [right] is from page 11 of the Gamages Christmas Bazaar catalogue which was issued in 1958.
Like its predecessor of some 20 years, the print quality leaves a little to be desired, the emphasis clearly being on functionality rather than gloss…
…never-the-less, the surprisingly modern presentation style of 20 years earlier has continued to develop.
The BAYKO insert is clearly visible in the bottom left hand corner - click anywhere on the image to see a larger copy of the BAYKO information.
The script is as follows : -
“BAYKO SETS”
“28E103. The original plastic Building Sets. BAYKO parts are beautifully moulded. Building booklet included.”
“Set No. 1.”
“21/-”
“Post & Pkg. 1/11.”
“Standard Sets. No. 0 14/-, No. 2 31/6, No. 3 52/3, No. 4 99/3, Converting Sets. No. 0X 7/-, No. 1X 10/6, No. 2X 21/-, No. 3X 47/-.”
Page 11 of the Gamages Christmas Bazaar catalogue, 1958
Christmas Bazaar, 1958
The BAYKO insertion is shown in the bottom left corner.

Gamages Christmas Catalogue - 1959
Page 21 of the Gamages Xmas Bazaar catalogue, 1959
This image [left] is from page 21 of a the Gamages Christmas catalogue, from 1959.
The BAYKO insertion is clearly visible just above the middle on the right hand side…
…click anywhere on the image to reveal a larger version showing just the BAYKO insertion.
The catalogue itself doesn't actually specify the year for which it was intended, but the BAYKO set prices displayed were only applied in the run up to Christmas, 1959 and beyond into 1960.
This is backed up by the 3:45 p.m., November 17th, 1959 franking, of the five [old] pence stamp, on the snug fitting envelope [below, middle] in which the catalogue was posted, by Gamages, to sunny Gillingham, in Kent.
The somewhat terse script reads as follows : -
“BAYKO SETS”
“28L118 The original plastic Building Sets. BAYKO parts are beautifully moulded. Building booklet included.”
“Set No. 1”
“21/9”
“Post & Pkg.”
“1/11”
“Standard Sets. N. 0 14/6, No. 2 32/9, No. 3 54/3, No. 4 104/6.”
“Converting Sets. No. 0X 7/6, No. 1X 12/-, No. 2X 21/9, No. 3X 50/6.”
“Post & Pkg. 1/2 on orders up to £1, 1/11 up to £2, 2/9 up to £3, and 3/4 up to £5.”
 
The capital letters, abbreviations and italics which are used above, are entirely Gamages, not mine…
…as is the opening reference number “28L118”.
Common sense suggests that the arrangements to include BAYKO in the this particular Gamages catalogue were concluded, as part of an on-going sequence [above], before the MECCANO takeover in September, 1959. A sequence which Mr. MECCANO clearly decided to continue [below].
Gamages 1959 Christmas Catalogue, front cover
The BAYKO insertion [above]
is shown middle right.
163 x 237 mm = 6.4 x 9.3 inches
Front Cover [left]

Envelope [below]
Gamages 1959 Christmas Catalogue envelope

Gamages Christmas Catalogue - 1960
The image [right] is from page 14 of the 1960 Gamages Christmas catalogue.
The BAYKO insertion is shown bottom right…
…click on the main image for a larger version of the BAYKO section.
The script is as follows : -
“New Style BAYKO”
“28895. With this original presentation, the famous Bayko series of Plastic constructional building kits, offer a completely new range. Colours of some of the parts have been altered to produce building in more contemporary style, and the windows are now glazed. Here is an instructive toy to delight every child's heart.”
“No. 13”
“23/6”
“Post & Pkg. 2/6”
“Other sets available:”
“No. 11 9/11. No. 12 16/11. No. 14 39/6.”
Please note that the grammatical errors are Gamages not mine.
I'm afraid many would be BAYKO buyers would have been disappointed, as the sets #13 and #14 failed to materialise in time for Christmas, 1960.
Gamages Christmas catalogue 1960
The BAYKO insertion is shown bottom right.

Gamages Christmas Catalogue - 1961
Gamages Christmas catalogue 1961
The image [left, upper] is from page 10 of the 1961 Gamages Christmas Bazaar catalogue.
The BAYKO insertion is clearly visible, centre left…
…click anywhere on the image for a larger version of the BAYKO section.
 
The full script reads as follows : -
“NEW STYLE BAYKO”
“28A73. With this original presentation, the famous Bayko series of Plastic constructional building kits, offer a completely new range. Colours of some of the parts have been altered to produce building in more contemporary style, and the windows are now glazed. Here is an instructive toy to delight every child's heart.”
“No. 13”
“26/3”
“Post & Pkg. 3/-”
“Other sets available: No. 11 10/7, No. 12 18/10, No. 14 40/1.”
 
The most observant of you will have noticed that the script is identical to the previous year's - please note that the grammatical errors are again Gamages, not mine.
 
The second of the images [left, lower] is the Front Cover of the Gamages Christmas Bazaar catalogue, 1961 - this is included, at least in part, as an aid to my eBay purchase management…
…you'd be amazed just how many lots quote the wrong date!
 
Click anywhere on this image to show a larger version.
 
As far as I can determine, this was the last of the large format 'Gamages' catalogues [I hope someone will produce a 1962 edition to prove me wrong!] which actually included a photograph of the world's first [and finest!] plastic construction toy…
…a sign of things to come, perhaps?…
Gamages Christmas Bazaar Catalogue, 1961, Front Cover Gamages Christmas Bazaar
1961 catalogue
Front Cover

Gamages Christmas Catalogue - 1963
The image [right] is the 1963 Gamages Christmas catalogue, page 4.
The BAYKO insertion is, if you can find it, shown upper left, just below the “figure of 8”…
…for those who can't a copy is just below.
Larger version of the modest BAYKO section
It's not difficult to interpret this half-hearted inclusion as being indicative of BAYKO's drop in popularity.
The script is as follows : -
“'BAYKO' OUTFITS”
“Miniature building sets for constructing many different models - houses, schools, garages, etc.”
“Sets 11/3, 19/9, 28/8, 44/6 and 75/-”
“28N94”
Gamages Christmas catalogue 1963

Gamages Toy Catalogue - 1961
Page 107 of the 1961 'Model Book' from Gamages
Above is page 107 of the “1961 MODEL BOOK” which does BAYKO justice with a full page dedicated to the world's first and finest plastic construction toy.
Front cover of the 1961 Gamages Toys Catalogue
This image is shown courtesy of Graeme Eldred of Binns Road.
The smaller image [right] shows this catalogue's front cover, click anywhere on this image to show a larger version.
The script in the Gamages catalogue reads as follows : -
“BAYKO BUILDING OUTFITS”
“So many different models can be built from the detailed parts in each outfit. These parts can be used indefinitely, and there is no limit to the designs of buildings that can be modified.”
“Each Bayko Outfit provides an assortment of bricks, doors, windows, etc., from which any type of building can be modelled. The models are easily dismantled and the parts used again to build a different model as often as you wish.”
Alas, Mr MECCANO has chosen to not to label the accompanying model image on this occasion.
“BAYKO”
“IN NEW COLOURS”
“Bayko Building Outfit No. 11”
“9/11”
“Bayko Building Outfit No. 12”
“16/11”
“Bayko Building Outfit No. 13”
“23/6”
“Bayko Building Outfit No. 14”
“39/6”
“Bayko Converting Outfit No. 11C”
  
“converts No. 11 into No. 12”
“7/6”
“Bayko Converting Outfit No. 12C”
  
“converts No. 12 into No. 13”
“9/-”
“Bayko Converting Outfit No. 13C”
  
“converts No. 13 into No. 12”
“18/6”
Should you be troubled by the [to me] uncomfortable lack of alignment between the two [half] tables [left and right, immediately above] - then just what do you think producing them did to my poor, benighted little brain‽
215 mm x 133 mm = 8.45 x 5.2 inches

Gamages Toy Catalogue - 1962
Page 106 of the 1962 'Model Book' from Gamages
The entry for BAYKO appears, on page 106, alongside is illustrious stable mate - well, mum always told us we should share! Sadly, and perhaps prophetically, we're already down to a half page entry.
Front cover of the 1962 Gamages Toys Catalogue
The smaller image [right] shows the front cover of this catalogue, click anywhere on this image to show a larger version.
This is shown courtesy of Graeme Eldred of Binns Road.
The script is as follows : -
“BAYKO BUILDING OUTFITS”
“So many different models can be built from the detailed parts in each outfit. These parts can be used indefinitely, and there is no limit to the designs of buildings that can be modified.”
“Each Bayko Outfit provides an assortment of bricks, doors, windows, etc., from which any type of building can be modelled. The models are easily dismantled and the parts used again to build a different model as often as you wish.”
Mr MECCANO was obviously so pleased with his chose of model to decorate this catalogue entry, that he chose to label it! : -
“This fine model of a detached house is built with Bayko outfit No. 13.”
 
£
s.
d.
  
s.
d.
“No. 11 Outfit”
  
10
7
      
“No. 12 Outfit”
  
18
10
“No. 11C Accessory Outfit”
8
3
“No. 13 Outfit”
1
6
3
“No. 12C Accessory Outfit”
10
11
“No. 14 Outfit”
2
0
   1†
“No. 13C Accessory Outfit”
18
10
† Having worked for a few years in retail [including in a toy shop!] I really can't believe this price point, can you‽
Mr MECCANO's eye off the ball again!
215 mm x 133 mm = 8.45 x 5.2 inches

Gamages Toy Catalogue - 1963
Page 90 of the 1963 'Model Book' from Gamages
Corporate efficiency rears its ugly head again as MECCANO and/or Gamages repeat the split page layout, this time on page 104.
Front cover of the 1963 Gamages Toys Catalogue
The smaller image [right] shows the front cover of this catalogue, click anywhere on this image to show a larger version.
This is also shown courtesy of Graeme Eldred of Binns Road.
The script is as follows : -
“BAYKO BUILDING OUTFITS”
“So many different models can be built from the detailed parts in each outfit. These parts can be used indefinitely, and there is no limit to the designs of buildings that can be modified.”
“Each Bayko Outfit provides an assortment of bricks, doors, windows, etc., from which any type of building can be modelled. The models are easily dismantled and the parts used again to build a different model as often as you wish.”
 
£
s.
d.
“No. 11 Outfit”
  
11
3
“No. 12 Outfit”
  
19
9
“No. 13 Outfit”
1
8
3
“No. 14 Outfit”
2
4
6
“No. 15 Outfit”
3
15
0
 
£
s.
d.
“No. 11C Accessory Outfit”
  
8
9
“No. 12C Accessory Outfit”
  
12
3
“No. 13C Accessory Outfit”
  
19
9
“No. 14C Accessory Outfit”
1
14
6
Here we go again with the table misalignment thing!!!
215 mm x 133 mm = 8.45 x 5.2 inches

Gamages Toy Catalogue - 1963/1964
Page 19 of the 1963-1964 'Model Book' from Gamages
A split page again, but now on page 19.
Front cover of the 1963 1964 Gamages Toys Catalogue
The smaller image [right] shows the front cover of this catalogue, click anywhere on the image to see a larger version.
For your information, the line at the bottom of the page is…
“Highest British Railway is the 2 foot 7½ inches gauge Snowdon Mountain Railway which rises to summit, 3,493 feet above sea level.”
…so now you know!
Finally the BAYKO script changed : -
“BAYKO A CHOICE of FIVE OUTFITS”
“Bayko is a progressive toy. Conversion Outfits build small Outfits into larger ones and increase the number and the size of the models that can be built. Small packets of spare parts are available too, which enable the hobby to be developed at low cost.”
“Five Bayko Main Outfits are now available (Nos. 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15). These Main Outfits are connected by Conversion Outfits Nos. 11c, 12c, 13c, 14c. A No. 11 Outfit can be converted into a No. 12 Outfit by the purchase of Conversion Outfit No. 11c. Then a No. 12c would convert it into a No. 13 and so on.”
The two models displayed in the entry are very specifically labelled : -
“SCHOOL WITH PANTILE ROOF (Constructed from Outfit No. 15.)”
“DETACHED HOUSE (Constructed from Outfit No. 14.)”
The BAYKO set and accessory set price tables in this entry are actually laid out one above the other, but they won't fit like that [efficiently!] in that format, so I've laid them out side by side [below].
“BAYKO MAIN OUTFIS”
“(Complete with Book of Instructions.)”
 
£
s.
d.
“Bayko Outfit No. 11”
  
11
3
“Bayko Outfit No. 12”
  
19
9
“Bayko Outfit No. 13”
1
8
3
“Bayko Outfit No. 14”
2
4
6
“Bayko Outfit No. 15”
3
15
0
I've taken a couple of liberties with the layout of the Accessory sets [below], for aesthetic reasons as far as this display is concerned.
 
£
s.
d.
“No. 11C converts No. 11 into No. 12”
  
8
9
“No. 12C converts No. 12 into No. 13”
  
12
3
“No. 13C converts No. 13 into No. 14”
  
19
9
“No. 14C converts No. 14 into No. 15”
1
14
5
215 mm x 133 mm = 8.45 x 5.2 inches

Gamages Toy Catalogue - 1964/1965
Page 90 of the 1964 - 1965 'Model Book' from Gamages
Back to a full page again, and back to the back of the book on page 90.
Front cover of the 1964 1965 Gamages Toys Catalogue
The timing of this Gamages publication is interesting, given that most BAYKO production is believed to have stopped early in 1964.
The smaller image [right] shows the front cover of this catalogue, click anywhere on the image to see a larger version.
For your information, the line at the bottom of the page is…
“The earliest successful attempt to fly over ½ mile with a human powered aircraft was achieved by J.C. Wimpenny in 1962.”
…and the follow on to the line at the bottom of the opposite page [not shown] is…
“Wimpenny flew 933 yards, average height 5 feet at an average speed of 19.5 m.p.h. in a pedal cranked propeller driven aircraft.”
…so now you know!
The script has changed again, this time being greatly simplified : -
“BAYKO fascinating building sets for girls and boys.”
“Bayko has all you need to build houses, schools, garages, airports, etc. Bricks, glazed windows, roofs, doors, chimneys - everything up to the last detail (TV aerial) . East to-follow plans. And when you've made all these, you can be your own architect and design your own!”
Again I've taken the aesthetics based liberty of displaying the set price information in side by side tables, unlike the actual entry.
I have to say, I'm not totally sold on the phraseology used in the explanation of the use of BAYKO Accessory Sets. [right, below, line 2]
“5 BAYKO MAIN OUTFITS”
 
£
s.
d.
“No. 11”
  
11
3
“No. 12”
  
19
8
“No. 13”
1
8
3
“No. 14”
2
4
6
“No. 15”
3
15
0
“BAYKO ACCESSORY OUTFITS”
“Build small sets into bigger ones.”
 
£
s.
d.
“No. 11C converts No. 11 into No. 12.”
  
8
9
“No. 12C converts No. 12 into No. 13.”
  
12
3
“No. 13C converts No. 13 into No. 14.”
  
19
9
“No. 14C converts No. 14 into No. 15.”
1
14
5
215 mm x 133 mm = 8.45 x 5.2 inches
 
It's not too difficult to deduce from the above ranges, that there may well be several further Gamages catalogues which have thus far escaped me, if you can help me track some down, then I'd love to hear from you…
 
Below here are links to related info : -
 
Click on any of the links below for related information.
 
   
 
   

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