Meccano has a history dating back to 1901 when a patent was taken out for manufacture of the toys by Frank Hornby. From humble beginnings Meccano went on to become a favourite of children across the world.

During the 1940s Meccano was commissioned to make morphine ampoule tins for the soldiers serving on the battlefields of Europe and North Africa.In the aftermath of the bitter conflict surplus tins were used to store Meccano parts for sale to the general public.

Purchased by the Museum of Drugs Paraphernalia and Related Antiquities, June 2011

For more information on Meccano's history, click on the image above.