Museum of Yo-Yo History


Sponsors and Curators The Museum of Yo-Yo History is a labor of love, and we would not be able to stay up-to-date with exhibits without the support of our sponsors and curators. Big thanks go to One Drop Design and Duncan for supplying us with their latest models, YoYoExpert for their help and support, and to Cody Orr, TotalArtist and YoYoBrothers™ for allowing us to use their collections! If you're a manufacturer, or just a big collector and you want to help support the Museum drop me at line at chimera@yoyomuseum.com

Strombeck Medalist - Trickmaster

Exhibit #3398

Type	Production
Shape	Standard (-)
Axle	Fixed
Finish	Painted
Color	White with Yellow Stripe
Packaging	None
Construction	One piece wood
Response	None
Diameter	2.25
Gap	Fixed
Condition	Mint
Date	1965
Owner	David Hall
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When the original Duncan company went bankrupt in the early 1960's, Strombecker toys bought the equipment from Duncan, but NOT the Duncan name, and began producing their own line of yo-yos under the Medalist name. A BIG business mistake to not buy the Duncan name at the same time. Their line of yo-yos was not successful, and medalist disappeared after only a few short years.

That was the history as most of us knew it. I recently spoke with a member of the Stombeck family and they tell the story differently. It turns out that they were personal, long term friends with the the Duncan family. The Strombecks purchased the yo-yos and machines from Duncan as a favor to the Duncan's, to help them through the bankruptcy of Duncan Toys. They would try the yo-yo line, but really did not plan to replace Duncan in the industry. The Medalist line was just another product for Strombecker Toys.

Pictured here is a Red Trickmaster with Gold Impressed Logo, the one piece tournament from Medalist. The logo looks out of focus on many of these. It seems Stombecker had difficulty producing a high quality stamp when they started production. But not on this one !

Other Views

Other Examples

Strombeck
Medalist - Trickmaster