Scale model tinplate Joustra toys, made in France from the 1930s onwards

Joustra was a French toy company founded in Strasbourg in 1934. The company's name is an abbreviation of "Jouets de Strasbourg", which means "toys from Strasbourg". Joustra was initially known for its tinplate toys, including cars, trains, and airplanes. In the 1950s, the company began producing plastic toys, and in the 1970s, it began importing Japanese toys. Joustra went bankrupt in 1987.

Like many other businesses during World War II, Joustra faced challenges due to the scarcity of resources and restrictions imposed by the war. However, after the war, the company resumed production and continued to grow. Joustra was one of the most popular toy companies in France for many years. Its toys were known for their high quality and durability. Joustra toys were also popular for their realistic designs. The company's cars, trains, and airplanes were often modeled after real-life vehicles.

Joustra also collaborated with other more... well-known toy manufacturers. For example, in the 1950s, they partnered with the famous German toy company Schuco. With the rise of plastic toys in the 1960s and 1970s, Joustra adapted to the changing market trends and began producing toys made of plastic. This shift allowed the company to offer a wider range of products and attract a larger customer base.

Over the years, the ownership of the Joustra toy company changed hands several times. It was acquired by the Ceji Arbois Group in the late 1970s and then by the Simba-Dickie Group in the 1990s. less...