Curio

State Library of New South Wales
Children’s cowgirl costume with plastic toy guns, 1965–1975

Children’s cowgirl costume with plastic toy guns, 1965–1975

Red Cotton corduroy vest and skirt with plastic toy guns

MLMSS 9598

AL Lindsay & Co is an iconic Australian company that produced a wide range of childrens toys and costumes from the 1930s through to the present. This red cowgirl costume from their western range, which was one of the more popular lines from the 1950–70s, highlights the influence of American TV on Australian children’s imagination and play.


The Lindsay toy factory was a family owned and run business, with every member working there at some stage.

In 1985 AL Lindsay and Co. ceased character merchandising. They continued to trade first as Lindsay’s Leichhardt Pty Ltd and later as Lindsay’s Toy Factory Ltd.

AL Lindsay and Co was founded by Albert Leslie Lindsay.


The Lindsay advertising slogan was ‘Dress Up and Play the Lindsay Way’.