The Lionel Pre-War Era Within an Era
Collectors of Lionel Trains are generally familiar with the Pre-War era (1900 to 1941), the Post-War era (1945 to 1969) and the MPC era (1970 to 1986). From this point forward, the periods continue to be broken down by changes in ownership similar to when the General Mills owned Fundimensions Group bought Lionel in 1973 after having leased the name beginning in 1970.
But within the Pre-War era there are two distinct time periods separated by the official incorporation of the company. That legality occurred in 1918, when The Lionel Corporation was born. Before that, it was known as the Lionel Manufacturing Company.