In the 1930s Manoil came on the market as a manufacturer of lead soldiers. Based in New York, this company released a small number of die-cast metal airplanes, including an Ercoupe, Beech Bonanza and the Navion. All featured a two-tone color scheme. Manoil ceased production in the early 1950s.

Photo courtesy of Trevor McTavish

Two more examples of the colors the Manoil Navions were available in.
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First releasing a miniature Model-T Ford, Tootsie Toys was founded by the Dowst Brothers of Chicago, and garnered its name from one of the brothers' granddaughters - "Toots". Early subjects were primarily cars. Somewhere around 1910-1916 the first airplane, in the form of a Bleriot XI, was released.

The post-war series in which the Navion belonged also included a Beech Bonanza, a Piper Skycoupe and a number of military planes. Known colors include red, blue, orange and silver.

In 1964 Tootsietoys was purchased by the Strombecker Corporation, and continued to manufacture some of the Tootsie Toy catelog. Interestingly the most popular item they made were the little metal tokens used in the Monopoly board game.

A close up of a Navion without the windows having been opened.
Photo courtesy of Trevor McTavish

Three examples of Tootsie Toy Navions without open windows.
Photo courtesy of Trevor McTavish

Broken propellers and damaged wheels were common on children's toys.
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Three examples of Tootsie Toy Navions with their windows opened.
Photo courtesy of Trevor McTavish

In the 1950s, variety packs containing dozens of assorted toys were popular with boys. Cowboys and indians, soldiers, jeeps and tanks, each provided enough 'figures' for two sides to wage battle with. Airplanes were naturally a popular theme, and at least one set included a Navion.

These examples were cast in red, blue/green and yellow, in a hard plastic.
Photo courtesy of Trevor McTavish

Measuring only 1-3/4" in span, three could fit on a 6" ruler.
Photo courtesy of Trevor McTavish