Here's a brief timeline:
* 1930s-1950s: Gilbert's company thrived, producing popular toys like Erector Sets, chemistry sets, and the American Flyer model trains.
* 1960s: The company began facing competition from other toy manufacturers, and consumer interest shifted away from traditional toys like Erector Sets.
* 1967: The Plaything Group acquired the company.
* 1980s: The Gilbert brand was re-launched under different ownership, but the products were not as successful as the originals.
* Present Day: The Gilbert brand is still around, but it's a far cry from the powerhouse it once was.
It's worth noting that the legacy of A. C. Gilbert Company lives on through the continued popularity of its classic toys, particularly the Erector Set.