Lars Nilsson (1854–1942) was one of Sweden’s earliest and most technically accomplished makers of mechanical steam toys. During his most active period, approximately 1895–1916 , he produced a wide and technically advanced range of steam engines, steam locomotives, and steam-powered ships, all made entirely by hand at his farm Lasstorp in Österåker Municipality, Södermanland.
As a young man, Lars Nilsson travelled to Stockholm together with his brother, where they ran a firewood yard and sold split firewood. He also operated a workshop in the city. After a number of years, he returned with his family to his home region and began his specialized production of steam toys there. The manufacturing process was highly artisanal: Nilsson made his own moulds, casting tools, and all components himself, including custom-made tools and a small lathe. The toys were hand-painted by his daughter Selma , giving them a distinctive and easily recognizable appearance.
Nilsson’s steam engines are particularly recognizable by their hand-painted decoration, often featuring a brick-patterned design and dark green sides on the boiler. It is estimated that he produced around 15 different models, ranging from simple oscillating steam engines and steam locomotives to large and technically advanced steamships, in some cases exceeding one metre in length. This places him among the foremost figures in Sweden in terms of technical expertise in steam toys around the turn of the 20th century.
Sales were conducted mainly through temporary shops in central Stockholm, primarily in the Norrmalm district. The shop was open only during the Christmas season, from 1 to 24 December, and moved between different addresses from year to year, including Rådmansgatan, Döbelnsgatan, Birger Jarlsgatan, Norrlandsgatan, and Regeringsgatan. Advertisements were regularly placed in newspapers such as Dagens Nyheter, Aftonbladet, and Svenska Dagbladet between 1895 and 1916.
Advertisements from 1915 include a price list of the various steam toys. For comparison, an industrial worker’s monthly wage at that time was approximately 70–80 kronor indicating that Nilsson’s toys belonged to the more exclusive segment. Lars Nilsson described himself as a “Royal Court Supplier”, although this claim is not documented. It is, however, known that one of his steam boats belonged to the diplomat Raoul Wallenberg, and an example is preserved in the collections of the Nordic Museum in Stockholm.
The last known selling season in Stockholm took place in 1916, and according to available information, all toy production ceased after 1923. Today, Lars Nilsson’s work represents an important chapter in Swedish toy and technology history, illustrating how highly advanced and high-quality mechanical craftsmanship could be carried out on a small scale, far removed from industrial mass production.