Before leaded toymakers, these homegrown shortchangers profiled in a 1938 issue of Mechanics and Handicraft conned “Mr. and Mrs. Buying Public” with lead-weighted ducks, berry boxes designed to look like they held more than they really did, and various deliberately faulty scales.

“Gypping” the Public (May, 1938) [Modern Mechanix] (Thanks to Charles & Virginia!)

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