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TynieToy history
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| A TynieToy craftsman To work at TynieToy was to join a creative group of artisans and craftsmen dedicated making the finest possible, yet still affordable, authentic miniatures of period American furniture. Melville G Davey was one of thoes craftsmen. He worked for TynieToy in the mid 30's sawing and assembling the many pieces that make up a TynieToy miniature. It was at the TynieToy company where Melville met his soon to be wife, Elizabeth Polleys. Elizabeth was one of the artists that decorated the painted furniture and created flower garden arrangements on the sides of some of the houses. Melville and Elizabeth remained married for over 60 years until Elizabeth's passing in 1998 at 97 years old. After retirement from a variety of occupations in 1974, Melville returned to the creative endevor of reproducing TynieToy furniture. Starting by using original pieces from his own collection for patterns, he was soon borrowning from other TynieToy collections to expand the range of styles and types. |
Today there are over 50 different style and type copies of the TynieToy line available in limited
quantities for purchase. There are also several types of furniture that Mel created that were
not in the original TynieToy list.
These copies are made to the same rigorous standards as the originals. They are all hand finished and polished. In most cases only the lack of years of wear and tear would distinguish them from the originals. If there are draws, they work; if something should fold, it's hinged; if it's a draw bottom, it's fitted in a slot just like the real thing. TynieToy furniature is made mostly from mahogany or white wood (Linden). Mel had to get the Linden rough cut by special order from Vermont. He then had to plane the rough boards to exacting thicknesses, sometimes as thin as 1/32nd of an inch to get the same look and feel as found in the earlier TynieToy pieces. Mel's son has some knowledge on the cunstruction of TynieToy furniture. If you need information, please use the "Contact" form to e-mail him your questions. |
