The world’s first LEGO set. LEGO trivia.

The Danish company, now one of the world’s largest toy manufacturers, has a fascinating history dating back to the 1930s. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the first building block set that launched a global phenomenon of creative entertainment for children and adults.

The Origins of the Danish LEGO Company

The company’s history begins in 1932, when Danish carpenter Ole Kirk Christiansen founded a wooden toy company in the village of Billund. Initially, the company manufactured wooden ladders, stools, and toys made of wood and metal. The name “LEGO” was officially adopted in 1934 and comes from the Danish phrase “leg godt,” meaning “play well.” Interestingly, in Latin, this word also means “I put together.”

A turning point came in 1947, when the company invested in plastics technology. Ole Kirk Christiansen then invested 30,000 Danish kroner (representing several years of company earnings) in purchasing a plastic injection molding machine. This bold business decision was fundamental to the company’s future.

The Birth of the First LEGO Set

In its modern form, it appeared on the market in 1949. It was called “Automatic Binding Bricks.” It was a colorful set consisting of plastic pieces that could be connected together. The set included five different colors of bricks and additional elements such as windows and doors, allowing for the construction of a colorful house.

It is worth noting that the initial design was inspired by British Kiddicraft bricks, samples of which Ole Kirk Christiansen had purchased before launching his own product. This inspiration later became controversial, with some accusing the Danish entrepreneur of copying a British idea.

A Revolutionary Patent from 1958

Although the first plastic building blocks appeared in 1949, the real breakthrough didn’t come until 1958. On January 28th of that year, a system for connecting blocks using studs and corresponding sockets was patented, a concept still used today. This innovative mechanism enabled the creation of stable structures and opened up endless possibilities for creative play.

However, 1958 was also marked by a sad event – ​​the death of the company’s founder, Ole Kirk Christiansen. His son, Godtfred Kirk Christiansen, then took over the reins of the company and continued its development.

The Evolution of the First LEGO Sets

After introducing the revolutionary brick-connecting system, the company gradually began to expand its product range. In the 1960s, sets were introduced that allowed the construction of entire cities, complete with model houses and cars. Initially, the bricks were available in a limited color palette, but over time, the range became increasingly diverse.

Some sources mention set number 375 – “The House,” released as early as 1932 and considered by some to be the company’s first. It consisted of 32 pieces that could be connected to create various structures. However, given that the company primarily produced wooden toys at the time, this information may be inaccurate.

Minifigures – Another Milestone

Although they were not part of the first set, it is worth mentioning the minifigures, which have become an iconic element of Danish bricks. The first simple figures appeared in 1975, but their current form, with movable body parts, was introduced in 1978. Interestingly, the basic design of the minifigures has remained unchanged from then to the present, a testament to the excellence of this design.

The Legacy of the First Set – LEGO Trivia

“Automatic Binding Bricks” launched a global phenomenon that continues to this day. The company grew from a small Danish carpentry workshop into an international giant with an estimated 70% share of the global building brick market. It is estimated that around 400 million people play with this brand’s products annually.

One of the most impressive aspects of this legacy is its remarkable intergenerational compatibility. Thanks to precise design and high-quality workmanship, two bricks produced 60 years apart still fit together! This unique feature allows these toys to be passed down from generation to generation, connecting different generations in shared, creative play.

The World’s First LEGO Set – Summary

The first set of Danish building bricks, introduced in 1949, was the humble beginning of what would become one of the world’s most recognizable products. From simple “self-assembling bricks” to complex, themed sets, the company has traversed a remarkable path while remaining true to its original mission: providing children (and adults) with tools for creative play.

The story of that first set is not only a story of business success but also of the innovation, determination, and vision of Ole Kirk Christiansen, who built the foundations of a global toy empire from a small carpentry workshop. His motto, “leg godt” (play well), remains true today, inspiring generations to embrace creative play and learn through construction.