Even through Rufus Bliss founded R. Bliss Manufacturing Company in 1832, it is not exactly known when  they started producing toys. The earliest mention of toys can be found in the “New England Business Director of 1871.”

R. Bliss Manufacturing Company was originally founded to produce wooden screws and clamps for piano and cabinet making. Rufus Bliss is known for inventing a machine for cutting wood screws rapidly and more accurately than had been done in the past. These toys cross the borders of collecting with their folk-art designs. They are known for their high quality, beautiful colors and artwork. R. Bliss Manufacturing Company sold their toy making division to Manson & Parker of Winchendon, Massachusetts in 1914. Toys carrying the Bliss name were produced until 1935 but only a few toys were marketed during these later years.

The following photos of Bliss ships are courtesy of Richard Mueller. Richard's Web site is: www.antiquetoyarchive.com. Richard is a prominent Bliss collector and can be reached at: home1@rpmpizza.com

Click here to see many additional Bliss toy photos.

Click here to view our ID guide to Bliss toys.