(Written by Maxx)
First of all, I would like to thank all of you who commented on LEGO Bayer Test-Strikes – Part 1. I really enjoyed your comments.
The first part on “Bayers” (short for Bayer-test-strikes) and LEGO was an introduction into test-bricks. It allowed me to tell you the broad story.
Maybe now I can show you some other things about the strange but wonderful world of LEGO Bayer test-bricks and things involved in making them.
Remember; here you have one great company (LEGO) asking another great company (Bayer) to improve their product. LEGO – and presumably Bayer – agreed to hold it secret and this seemed to work. Myself and others have tried to find out more, but neither parties would tell us anything (or they simply don’t know).
You can imagine my excitement when I found this ad on Ebay from a collectibles seller! (You can click on the picture for a larger view.)
“We make the chemicals out of which the biggest toy (game) of the decade is made.
This toy (game) is hard work for Bayer, the man who had this idea came to us and set requirements: he needed building bricks of a specific hardness and a specific elasticity. They must have beautiful, long lasting colors, be absolutely resistent to change – and kids must be able to put them in their mouths. Only if all of these requirements are met – when we have found the right plastic, only then a big idea becomes the biggest toy of the decade.
Newer and better developments: that is Bayer!“
So here is Bayer using LEGO in their ad, not naming names, but clear for all to see. Telling the world excactly what they did!!!
And for those that did not catch the connection the first time, yes, this is the same Bayer that makes aspirin! Chemicals are chemicals after all and it may explain why these bricks never give me a headache. 🙂
This ad originates from 1967, so right after Bayer succesfully completed their first few years of testing for LEGO. It was printed in a German magazine, called “Der Spiegel” in the number 29 issue of that year. Copies can still be found online.
I could not wish for a better connection between the two companies to add to my collection. Just shows you how interesting developments can happen in the life of a collector at any time. It’s not enough – there are still many more secrets to find out – but it’s a start. And it gives my collection extra depth.
Now comes the hardest part, finding a nice frame to hold my new-found treasure. 😀
If you are interested in LEGO Bayer, LEGO colors and LEGO history you may also like to read:
