LEGO 1961 / Classic / Supplemental Sets

Starting in the 1950s LEGO began individual parts sales, a practice that began with the Ferguson Tracktor in 1951. LEGO would supply dealers with wooden parts boxes and refill packs. These individual part sales would continue, at least in some markets, into the late 1950’s.

1961 LEGO Sets

1961 marked a significant year for the LEGO Group. International sales, production and distribution were greatly expanded. North America was an important market but its sheer size and distance from Denmark required a sales and distribution network that was too large for LEGO to manage at the time. LEGO reached an agreement to allow Samsonite to begin producing and selling LEGO products in North America. The result was a license for exclusive North American distribution rights and LEGO began marketing sets under the name ‘LEGO by Samsonite’ in the US in 1961. In the same year, LEGO Italy was established.