Playmobil 40th Anniversary Nears

The first Playmobil toy figures were developed by cabinetmaker Hans Beck in the early 1970's and the first Playmobil lineup launched in 1974 by toy manufacturer geobra Brandstaetter in Zirndorf, Germany. Playmobil, known for its plastic toy action sets of knights, pirates, farmers, firemen, police and Native Americans, will mark its 40th anniversary in 2014. (Getty)