10 Vintage Erector Sets That Made Collectors Drop Thousands

Assorted Erector Set construction toy pieces are laid out neatly on a white surface, including yellow and blue metal strips, gears, black and red wheels, and small hardware components. A miniature motor is also visible among the parts.

Introduced in 1913 by A.C. Gilbert, Erector sets allowed children to build working models of everything from bridges to locomotives using metal beams, gears, and motors. Dubbed “the toy that builds intelligence,” Erector sets became a staple in households during the early to mid-20th century, combining fun with hands-on engineering lessons. Today, vintage Erector sets are highly collectible, with some rare models fetching eye-popping prices at auctions.

From elaborate skyscraper kits to motorized wonders, these are the most valuable vintage Erector sets we could find.

1. Gilbert Erector Set No. 10

An older man in a suit stands beside a complex metal mechanical model, resembling a Ferris wheel or an engineering structure, on a desk. The room has a window with blinds and dim lighting. Papers are visible on the desk.
George Karger/Getty Images
George Karger/Getty Images

Sold for: $1,900

First introduced in the early 20th century, the #10 Erector Set by A.C. Gilbert was packed with hundreds of metal parts, gears, pulleys, and even a working motor, allowing young builders to create elaborate models like cranes, bridges, and Ferris wheels. Its sturdy steel construction and limitless possibilities made it a favorite among aspiring inventors. 

2. Gilbert 1929 No. 9 Erector Mechanical Wonders Set

A child plays with a metal construction set, building a structure with gears and beams. The child is focused, wearing a striped shirt, and the scene is captured in black and white.
Rae Russel/Getty Images
Rae Russel/Getty Images

Sold for: $1,900

Packed with an impressive assortment of parts, including gears, pulleys, and girders, the Gilbert No. 9 Erector Mechanical Wonders Set allowed builders to create intricate mechanical models like elevators, drawbridges, and spinning carousels. Its highlight was the addition of a small electric motor, bringing creations to life with motion — a revolutionary feature for the time. Celebrated for its ingenuity and durable design, the No. 9 set remains a prized collector’s item.

3. Gilbert No. 8 Erector Zeppelin Set

A vintage Erector set box with a colorful illustration of a zeppelin on the lid. The open box reveals a pegboard inside, designed for constructing models. The exterior is predominantly red with some visible wear.
lynne5058 / ebay
lynne5058 / ebay

Sold for: $1,900

The A.C. Gilbert No. 8 Erector Zeppelin Set was a standout among the brand’s iconic construction kits, offering young builders the thrill of assembling their own airship. Released during the late 1920s and early 1930s, the set included lightweight metal parts and curved components designed to replicate the sleek lines of a Zeppelin. Builders could construct impressive models with moving parts, thanks to the inclusion of a motor.

4. Gilbert No. 8-1/2 Erector Hudson Engine & Tender

Vintage advertisement for "The World's Champion Erector No. 8 1/2" featuring a detailed illustration of a New York Central train locomotive and tender. Text includes details about the model and manufacturer, A.C. Gilbert Company.
Wagner and Sons Inc / eBay
Wagner and Sons Inc / eBay

Sold for: $1,300

Released in the 1930s, the Gilbert No. 8-1/2 Erector Hudson Engine & Tender set allowed young builders to assemble a detailed replica of the iconic Hudson locomotive and its tender, complete with metal parts, intricate gears, and a functional motor to bring the train to life. 

5. 1926 Gilbert No. 7-1/2 Erector Set

A vintage Erector set in an open red metal box, displaying metal rods, gears, and electrical components. Includes a booklet with a retro design, and small accessories like wheels and a tiny house model. The box lid features an illustration and text.
Pathway Market Vintage Goods / eBay
Pathway Market Vintage Goods / eBay

Price: $1,300

The A.C. Gilbert No. 7-1/2 Erector Set includes rare truck components like four cast iron wheels with black rubber tires and angle girders, adding to its distinct appeal. The box features an original wooden tray for organization and comes with four reproduction part boxes, along with two original catalogs — The New 1927 Erector Engineering Thrills and The New Erector.

6. Gilbert 10093 Walking Robot Erector Set

Vintage Erector Set kit featuring parts and gears, with a retro-themed box showing illustrations of a robot model. The text promotes building a mysterious walking robot with metal, electric eyes, and movement.
Texas Time Warp Collectables LLC / ebay
Texas Time Warp Collectables LLC / ebay

Sold for: $1,150

Released in the mid-20th century, this Erector set allowed users to construct a motorized walking robot, complete with articulated legs and a unique mechanical stride. Featuring precision-engineered metal parts and a detailed instruction manual, it exemplified Gilbert’s commitment to inspiring creativity and technical skills. The 10093 Walking Robot Erector Set remains a favorite among vintage toy collectors, prized for its forward-thinking design and its ability to bring a touch of science fiction to the classic Erector series.

7. Erector No. A Locomotive Set

Vintage illustration of an Erector set box featuring the Hudson Locomotive Set No. A. The design includes a detailed drawing of a train and text highlighting its construction capabilities for building a locomotive and 12 other models.
Amazon
Amazon

Sold for: $950

The Erector No. A Locomotive Set was a classic addition to A.C. Gilbert’s celebrated lineup. Housed in a sturdy metal case, the set featured steel parts, gears, and other components for assembling a detailed engine complete with a tender. Its design captured the industrial spirit of the early 20th century, while the inclusion of a motor added motion made it a standout in the world of construction toys.

8. Gilbert No. 5 Mysto Magic Show Set

Vintage magic set box titled "Mysto Magic," featuring an illustration of a magician in a top hat with magic props, a rabbit, and colorful graphics. The set claims to include magician's show accessories, poster, and makeup.
My Store Name Was Already Taken / ebay
My Store Name Was Already Taken / ebay

Sold for: $700

Packed in a compact, colorful box, this Erector set included a variety of props such as cards, rings, and trick coins, along with an instruction booklet detailing numerous magic tricks to amaze audiences. Introduced in the early 20th century, the Mysto Magic line was part of A.C. Gilbert’s efforts to combine education with entertainment. 

9. 1912 The Mysto Erector

An open vintage Erector Set box containing metal parts, gears, and two red instruction booklets. It includes an illustrated guide and colorful packaging.
InsaneDiego Collectibles / ebay
InsaneDiego Collectibles / ebay

Sold for: $495

The 1912 Mysto Erector set was the precursor to the iconic Erector brand, marking A.C. Gilbert’s first foray into construction toys. Packaged under the Mysto Manufacturing Company name, this early set included metal beams, gears, and screws. The Mysto Erector’s innovative design and detailed instructions set it apart, laying the foundation for what would become one of the most beloved construction toy lines in history. 

10. 1935 Gilbert No. 6 1/2 Skyscraper Erector Set

An open vintage Erector set box showing colorful illustrations of various mechanical models, including cranes and a rocket. The packaging has detailed instructions and parts stored in labeled bags.
svhoneybee /ebay
svhoneybee /ebay

Sold for: $400

The Gilbert No. 6-1/2 Skyscraper Erector Set brought the towering ambition of the Art Deco era into the hands of young builders. Designed to construct impressive skyscrapers and other architectural marvels, the set included durable steel girders, plates, pulleys, and a motor to bring creations to life.

Author
Rachel Schneider

Rachel is a Michigan-based writer with a bachelor’s degree in Professional Writing and English. Throughout her career, she has dabbled in a variety of subject matter from finance and higher education to lifestyle pieces and food writing. She also enjoys writing stories based on social media trends. Find her on Instagram @rachel.schneider922