Paya toys
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In addition to the American, German, European and Japanese toy makers, Spain also had produced tin toys manufactured by the Paya Company. Founded in 1902 by Rafael Paya, the local smith.
Four years later Rafael's sons Pascual, Emilio and Vincente built the first toy factory in Spain and by the 1920s Paya's toys were considered the equal of then great and famous toy makers to the north. Not only was Paya quality the equal of Marklin of Germany, but Paya's colors and imprints were graphically more interesting, precise and bolder.
The 1930s, with Raimundo Paya at the helm, was the time of great expansion. This was when the famous Bugatti race car was made. In 1946, Paya once again started making toys. In 1985, Lino made the decision to remake all of the classic old litho tinplate toys on a very limited basis. The production of each was limited to 5,000 (or less) world-wide.
Paya washing machine toy:
Of the 2000 toys manufactored by Paya between 1906 to 1940, a total of 50 historic models have been recovered. These are now made in series with a issue limit of 5000 numerated pieces, accompanied by their certificates of autenticity.
"Today (1991), using the original machinery which had been stored away and found in to be in good condition, Paya restored its fortunes after having its fair share of business worries. Paya now operates as a workers' co-operative still at their old factory in Ibi, near Alicante."