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Mobo Toys (1) - The Mobo Bronco
The Mobo Bronco pressed-steel toy ride-horse was first made in Erith, Kent, England, in 1947 by David Sebel and his son, Harry. It helps illustrate the change in toy horse production from timber to moulded plastic via pressed metal, a change that is also reflected in other types of ride-on toys, including pedal cars. The firm continued in production until 1971, being forced out of business by cheaper toys made in Asia.
The Broncos were very popular and from 1948 they were exported to the United States. An office was opened in New York and the American subsidiary was called Sebel Products Inc. Other major markets were in Australia and South Africa.
In 1951 David and Harry Sebel immigrated to Australia and set up their toy and furniture factory in Bankstown, NSW. The horses were very popular and continued to be made in England. Components were still manufactured in their Kent factory and shipped to Australia for assembling and painting. From 1957 the firm decided to concentrate on furniture and the Australian toy production ceased, but the production of Bronco in England continued until 1971
The body pressings were also used for a series of other toys SPRING HORSE (PRAIRIE KING), NIGHT RIDER, PRAIRIE PRANCER, RANGE RIDER two different types produced, ROCKING HORSE, & BRONCHO MERRY GO ROUND.
To see a video of the Mobo mechanical horse in action, click here.
To see the Mobo Pony Express, click here.
To see a Triang Pedal Car, click here.