The Barclay Manufacturing Company of New Jersey was the largest manufacturer of three inch toy soldiers and figures. Having set up shop between 1922 and 1924 it remained in business until 1971.

Barclay's soldiers were produced of antimonial lead and in the days prior to World War II, most were sold for a nickel apiece.  In addition to producing toy soldiers Barclay manufactured toy vehicles, ships, aircraft, horse drawn carriages, novelty items and toy soldier accessories. 

Unfortunately, despite the companies prominence, few records were kept, and much of the information on the company has had to be gleaned from its former workers who have had to draw on memories that have gone back as far as six decades.

Barclay numbered its soldiers and produced illustrated product sheets with descriptions and numbering. Richard O'Brien has researched and provides the most detailed information on the line of Barclay toy soldiers and figures.  His book "COLLECTING AMERICAN MADE TOY SOLDIERS" is the most comprehensive book on American made toy soldiers ever published.