Ober Manufacturing Company

Chagrin Falls, Ohio

The Ober Manufacturing Company was a lesser-known yet significant player in the cast-iron toy industry during the early 20th century. The company was founded by brothers John and George Ober in Newbury, Ohio in 1862 before moving to Chagrin Falls, Ohio in 1873. They initially produced a range of products including industrial machinery, tool handles, sad irons, hardware and small household items. Like other manufacturers of the time, Ober saw the potential in the toy market and for a short period of time made cast-iron toy banks.

Their toy banks were made from roughly 1912 to 1916. This helps to explain their rarity and desirability today.