Search results for: hubley cast iron
RARE Hubley Cast Iron Panel Van Variation *SOLD*
RARE Hubley Cast Iron Panel Van Variation for Sale
This is a rare Hubley panel van with an even rarer variation– no script lettering on the side. On top of that, the yellow color is superb and highly sought after.
Size is a smaller approximately 4.5-inch length. These only came in this size and were made circa 1928.
The condition is original with a bumper repair.
These very very rarely come to market, and this variation is exceedingly rare.
A brief history of Hubley Manufacturing Company of Lancaster, Pennsylvania:
John Hubley first incorporated the Hubley Manufacturing Company in 1894 in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Their slogan was “They’re Different”. They were occasionally known as Lancaster Brand Iron Toys which manufactured electric toy train equipment and parts. In 1909, they purchased the Safety Buggy Co. factory and moved to the site. The first Hubley toys appeared in 1909 and were made of cast iron, with themes that ranged from horse-drawn vehicles, fire engines, circus trains, different breeds of dogs, tractors, steam shovels, horses, banks, and cap guns.
The Hubley Manufacturing Company produced a wide range of cast-iron toys, doorstops, and bookends. Toys, particularly motor vehicles and cap guns, were also produced in zinc alloy and plastic. The company is probably most well-known for its detailed scale metal kits of Classic cars in about 1:20 scale. Starting in 1960, Hubley participated for a couple of years with Detroit automakers as a plastic promotional model maker. Many Hubley toys are now sought-after collectibles. Hubley’s main competition in the early years was Arcade as well as a bit from A.C. Williams.
By the 1930s autos became the headliners. By quickly converting to cheaper smaller toys during the Depression, they avoided the financial woes experienced by many other toy companies. Iron shortages in WWII and commitments to fill war contracts did stop the toy division in 1942, until after the war.
As of 2019, Wikipedia tells us that, “Perhaps Hubley’s diversification in the 1960s overtaxed its profits, weakening it financially by the 1970s. Hubley was purchased by toy maker Gabriel in about 1969 who continued to make its regular kits and diecast kids toys through the 1970s. A series of colorful but rather unexciting generic make diecast toy trucks were available in a variety of forms (dump trucks, tow trucks, etc.) up until about 1980. Gradually, the Hubley name was downplayed in favor of Gabriel.
Around 1980, Hubley was acquired by CBS Toys which later sold many dies to Ertl and Scale Models, both of Dyersville, Iowa. For example, the Hubley Ford 4000 tractor was reproduced by Scale Models, up through the 1990s and perhaps later (Scale Models 2010). In the 1990s, some Hubley vehicles like the school bus were also reissued with minor variations from the original casting.
Ertl has now stopped production of all of the original toy dies and molds purchased from Hubley. As a result, all remaining Hubley/Ertl metal kits are fairly rare. They can be purchased from auction websites as well as from collectors and older hobby stores.”
Read MoreHubley Cast Iron Train *SOLD*
Hubley Cast Iron Train
Enjoy our smaller Hubley train and car set circa 1910. It is a smaller set but comes with an excellent condition “electric” style train and two nickel plated cars.
The toy is used and original and free of cracks and breaks. Paint condition is excellent on the engine.
Read MoreIronman Toys Limited Edition Hubley Cast Iron Nickel Plated Harley Hillclimber *SOLD*
Ironman Toys Limited Edition Hubley Cast Iron Nickel Plated Harley Hillclimber
We have for you a highly desirable cast iron nickel-plated Harley Hillclimber that is a limited-edition creation made by Arnie Prince of Ironman Toys of California.
What a great toy by one of our favorite artists– Ironman! This is a Hubley Hillclimber toy by Ironman that was Nickel Plated.
He took the Hubley design and decided it needed nickel plating. It is likely a combination of older and newer parts and then upgraded for a glossy display. Ironman chose the high-end spoke and solid wheels, then added the right amount of accents with flesh hands & face, along with black on the H.D. tank.
Ironman has recently closed his California location. He relocated and as of this time, isn’t open for business anymore.
Enjoy this beautiful display toy!
A brief history of Ironman Toys of California:
Ironman Toys is a business created by Arnie Prince in California to help with cast iron toy restoration. His business spun off to make extremely limited and custom toys in the ’80s, ’90s, and 2000s. He created his own Chevy Roadster, cast iron motorcycles, and reimagined Ford roadsters (among many others). Arnie is considered one of the best restoration artists, and a premier custom toymaker. His toys have been rising in price as collectors enjoy the metal art.
A brief history of Hubley Manufacturing Company of Lancaster, Pennsylvania:
The Hubley Manufacturing Company was first incorporated in 1894 in Lancaster, Pennsylvania by John Hubley. Their slogan was “They’re Different”. They were occasionally known as Lancaster Brand Iron Toys which manufactured electric toy train equipment and parts. In 1909, they purchased the Safety Buggy Co. factory and moved to the site. The first Hubley toys appeared in 1909 and were made of cast iron, with themes that ranged from horse-drawn vehicles, fire engines, circus trains, different breeds of dogs, tractors, steam shovels, horses, banks, and cap guns.
The Hubley Manufacturing Company produced a wide range of cast-iron toys, doorstops, and bookends. Toys, particularly motor vehicles and cap guns, were also produced in zinc alloy and plastic. The company is probably most well-known for its detailed scale metal kits of Classic cars in about 1:20 scale. Starting in 1960, Hubley participated for a couple of years with Detroit automakers as a plastic promotional model maker. Many Hubley toys are now sought-after collectibles. Hubley’s main competition in the early years was Arcade as well as a bit from A.C. Williams.
By the 1930s autos became the headliners. By quickly converting to cheaper smaller toys during the Depression, they avoided the financial woes experienced by many other toy companies. Iron shortages in WWII and commitments to fill war contracts did stop the toy division in 1942, until after the war.
As of 2019, Wikipedia tells us that, “Perhaps Hubley’s diversification in the 1960s overtaxed its profits, weakening it financially by the 1970s. Hubley was purchased by toy maker Gabriel about 1969 who continued to make its regular kits and diecast kid’s toys through the 1970s. A series of colorful but rather unexciting generic make diecast toy trucks were available in a variety of forms (dump trucks, tow trucks, etc.) up until about 1980. Gradually, the Hubley name was downplayed in favor of Gabriel.
Around 1980, Hubley was acquired by CBS Toys which later sold many dies to Ertl and Scale Models, both of Dyersville, Iowa. For example, the Hubley Ford 4000 tractor was reproduced by Scale Models, up through the 1990s and perhaps later (Scale Models 2010). In the 1990s, some Hubley vehicles like the school bus were also reissued with minor variations from the original casting.
Ertl has now stopped production of all of the original toy dies and molds purchased from Hubley. As a result, all remaining Hubley/Ertl metal kits are fairly rare. They can be purchased from auction websites as well as from collectors and older hobby stores.”
Read MoreHubley Cast Iron Horse on Reclaimed Wood Plinth *SOLD*
Hubley Cast Iron Horse on Reclaimed Wood Plinth
We have for you an upcycled cast iron horse with golden reins on a reclaimed wood plinth, the horse was originally manufactured by Hubley Manufacturing Company of Lancaster, PA.
We found this beautiful antique cast iron Hubley horse and saw an opportunity to take something broken and give it new life. We attached it to a piece of reclaimed wood from an old tear-down to make this one-of-a-kind piece.
This piece is in great condition with no breaks, restorations, repairs, or touch-ups. This piece shows the usual patina, fading, dust, chips, scuffs, surface rust, scratches, missing accessories, and wear that are to be expected from age and play. It is approximately 9 ½” L. We invite you to view the photos to further determine quality and condition.
A brief history of Hubley Manufacturing Company of Lancaster, Pennsylvania:
The Hubley Manufacturing Company was first incorporated in 1894 in Lancaster, Pennsylvania by John Hubley. Their slogan was “They’re Different”. They were occasionally known as Lancaster Brand Iron Toys which manufactured electric toy train equipment and parts. In 1909, they purchased the Safety Buggy Co. factory and moved to the site. The first Hubley toys appeared in 1909 and were made of cast iron, with themes that ranged from horse-drawn vehicles, fire engines, circus trains, different breeds of dogs, tractors, steam shovels, horses, banks, and cap guns.
The Hubley Manufacturing Company produced a wide range of cast-iron toys, doorstops, and bookends. Toys, particularly motor vehicles and cap guns, were also produced in zinc alloy and plastic. The company is probably most well-known for its detailed scale metal kits of Classic cars in about 1:20 scale. Starting in 1960, Hubley participated for a couple of years with Detroit automakers as a plastic promotional model maker. Many Hubley toys are now sought-after collectibles. Hubley’s main competition in the early years was Arcade as well as a bit from A.C. Williams.
By the 1930s autos became the headliners. By quickly converting to cheaper smaller toys during the Depression, they avoided the financial woes experienced by many other toy companies. Iron shortages in WWII and commitments to fill war contracts did stop the toy division in 1942, until after the war.
As of 2019, Wikipedia tells us, “Perhaps Hubley’s diversification in the 1960s overtaxed its profits, weakening it financially by the 1970s. Hubley was purchased by toymaker Gabriel [in] about 1969 who continued to make its regular kits and diecast kid’s toys through the 1970s. A series of colorful but rather unexciting generic make diecast toy trucks were available in a variety of forms (dump truck, tow truck, etc.) up until about 1980. Gradually, the Hubley name was downplayed in favor of Gabriel.
Around 1980, Hubley was acquired by CBS Toys which later sold many dies to Ertl and Scale Models, both of Dyersville, Iowa. For example, the Hubley Ford 4000 tractor was reproduced by Scale Models, up through the 1990s and perhaps later (Scale Models 2010). In the 1990s, some Hubley vehicles like the school bus were also reissued with minor variations from the original casting.
Ertl has now stopped production of all of the original toy dies and molds purchased from Hubley. As a result, all remaining Hubley/Ertl metal kits are fairly rare. They can be purchased from auction websites as well as from collectors and older hobby stores.”
Read MoreIronman Toys Limited Edition Hubley Cast Iron “Lindy” Lockheed Sirius Seaplane *SOLD*
Ironman Toys Limited Edition Hubley Cast Iron “Lindy” Lockheed Sirius Seaplane
We have for you a highly desirable cast iron Spirit of St. Louis “Lindy” airplane turned seaplane with working propeller that is a limited-edition creation made by Ironman Toys. The body is a beautiful recast of an original Hubley Lindy with the seaplane floats added. This limited-edition plane would be a fabulous addition to any collection and definitely a unique take on this exquisite plane that was originally manufactured by Hubley Manufacturing Company of Lancaster, PA.
It is, arguably, the finest airplane toy in cast iron ever made in terms of elegance. The Sirius was aviator Charles Lindberg’s record-breaking plane ca 1930 and Hubley did an exquisite rendering.
We surmise that Lindy and Hubley had the airplane production halted due to the fate of the Lindberg baby. It is an extremely rare toy. His wife, pregnant wife, was the co-pilot when they made a travel record from New York to LA in this aircraft.
Condition on the toy is used with chipping to the black. The orange paint is much stronger with gold highlights. Part of the Hubley brand decal is still affixed to the left elevator.
Of note is that this is the first release with cast iron wings. Again, a great subset within the already rare lindy toy. Price hurt its production run, and it was released during the Great Depression.
History on the Sirius and Lockheed and Lindy:
Lindbergh wanted his new plane to be able to make a nonstop flight across the United States, as well as scout new air routes to China. It was up to Lockheed to invent the technology to meet his needs. Lindbergh’s list of custom touches included a tandem cockpit with dual controls and sliding canopy to accommodate him and his co-pilot—his seven-month’s-pregnant wife, Anne Morrow Lindbergh. The fuselage needed to be big enough to allow for full use of parachutes in case they needed to make a mid-air exit. Room also had to be made for state-of-the-art navigation equipment and a small generator that could power the Lindbergh’s’ electrically warmed flight suits.
Lockheed chief engineer Gerard Vultee designed the Lockheed 8 Sirius based on Lindbergh’s specifications. Slightly smaller than the Spirit of St. Louis—just shy of 43 feet to the St. Louis’s 46—the Sirius was capable of traveling 185 miles per hour compared to the St. Louis’s top speed of 133 mph. It was delivered in April 1930, and within days Charles and Anne embarked from Los Angeles, arriving in New York City 14 hours, 45 minutes, and 32 seconds later—breaking the previous record by 3 hours.
A brief history of Hubley Manufacturing Company of Lancaster, Pennsylvania:
The Hubley Manufacturing Company was first incorporated in 1894 in Lancaster, Pennsylvania by John Hubley. Their slogan was “They’re Different”. They were occasionally known as Lancaster Brand Iron Toys which manufactured electric toy train equipment and parts. In 1909, they purchased the Safety Buggy Co. factory and moved to the site. The first Hubley toys appeared in 1909 and were made of cast-iron, with themes that ranged from horse-drawn vehicles, fire engine, circus trains, different breeds of dogs, tractors, steam shovels, horses, banks, and cap guns.
The Hubley Manufacturing Company produced a wide range of cast-iron toys, doorstops, and bookends. Toys, particularly motor vehicles and cap guns, were also produced in zinc alloy and plastic. The company is probably most well-known for its detailed scale metal kits of Classic cars in about 1:20 scale. Starting in 1960, Hubley participated for a couple of years with Detroit automakers as a plastic promotional model maker. Many Hubley toys are now sought-after collectibles. Hubley’s main competition in the early years was Arcade as well as a bit from A.C. Williams.
By the 1930’s autos became the headliners. By quickly converting to cheaper smaller toys during the Depression, they avoided financial woes experienced by many other toy companies. Iron shortages in WWII and commitments to fill war contracts did stop the toy division in 1942, until after the war.
As of 2019, Wikipedia tells us that, “Perhaps Hubley’s diversification in the 1960s overtaxed its profits, weakening it financially by the 1970s. Hubley was purchased by toy maker Gabriel about 1969 who continued to make its regular kits and diecast kid’s toys through the 1970s. A series of colorful but rather unexciting generic make diecast toy trucks were available in a variety of forms (dump truck, tow truck, etc.) up until about 1980. Gradually, the Hubley name was downplayed in favor of Gabriel.
Around 1980, Hubley was acquired by CBS Toys which later sold many dies to Ertl and Scale Models, both of Dyersville, Iowa. For example, the Hubley Ford 4000 tractor was reproduced by Scale Models, up through the 1990s and perhaps later (Scale Models 2010). In the 1990s, some Hubley vehicles like the school bus, were also reissued with minor variations from the original casting.
Ertl has now stopped production of all of the original toy dies and molds purchased from Hubley. As a result, all remaining Hubley/Ertl metal kits are fairly rare. They can be purchased from auction web sites as well as from collectors and older hobby stores.”
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Hubley Cast Iron Auto Express Truck *SOLD*
Hubley Cast Iron Auto Express Truck *SOLD*
This Hubley cast iron truck aka “Auto Express” truck was purchased for a client. We wanted to share pictures of the great toy and Hubley truck circa 1920.
Read MoreHubley Cast Iron Horse Drawn Fire Ladder Wagon *SOLD*
Hubley Cast Iron Horse Drawn Fire Ladder Wagon
Our Hubley Horse Drawn Fire Ladder is an oldie, and circa 1905. The trailer is unusual with its tiller and bright original condition.
It comes with replaced ladders and replaced figures. Horses can be removed from the double tree and are a variation of what we have seen in the past; one gold and one black. Only one wire is present for rocking the horse. The bucket is a replacement.
Wheels are in very good condition with bright red and appear to be all original and a proper match.
This set has only come to us only one other time; it is a challenging to find 115 year old toy for cast iron and fire toy collectors.
A brief history of Hubley Manufacturing Company of Lancaster, Pennsylvania:
The Hubley Manufacturing Company was first incorporated in 1894 in Lancaster, Pennsylvania by John Hubley. Their slogan was “They’re Different”. They were occasionally known as Lancaster Brand Iron Toys which manufactured electric toy train equipment and parts. In 1909, they purchased the Safety Buggy Co. factory and moved to the site. The first Hubley toys appeared in 1909 and were made of cast-iron, with themes that ranged from horse-drawn vehicles, fire engine, circus trains, different breeds of dogs, tractors, steam shovels, horses, banks, and cap guns.
The Hubley Manufacturing Company produced a wide range of cast-iron toys, doorstops, and bookends. Toys, particularly motor vehicles and cap guns, were also produced in zinc alloy and plastic. The company is probably most well-known for its detailed scale metal kits of Classic cars in about 1:20 scale. Starting in 1960, Hubley participated for a couple of years with Detroit automakers as a plastic promotional model maker. Many Hubley toys are now sought-after collectibles. Hubley’s main competition in the early years was Arcade as well as a bit from A.C. Williams.
By the 1930’s autos became the headliners. By quickly converting to cheaper smaller toys during the Depression, they avoided financial woes experienced by many other toy companies. Iron shortages in WWII and commitments to fill war contracts did stop the toy division in 1942, until after the war.
As of 2019, Wikipedia tells us that, “Perhaps Hubley’s diversification in the 1960s overtaxed its profits, weakening it financially by the 1970s. Hubley was purchased by toy maker Gabriel about 1969 who continued to make its regular kits and diecast kids toys through the 1970s. A series of colorful but rather unexciting generic make diecast toy trucks were available in a variety of forms (dump truck, tow truck, etc.) up until about 1980. Gradually, the Hubley name was downplayed in favor of Gabriel.
Around 1980, Hubley was acquired by CBS Toys which later sold many dies to Ertl and Scale Models, both of Dyersville, Iowa. For example, the Hubley Ford 4000 tractor was reproduced by Scale Models, up through the 1990s and perhaps later (Scale Models 2010). In the 1990s, some Hubley vehicles like the school bus, were also reissued with minor variations from the original casting.
Ertl has now stopped production of all of the original toy dies and molds purchased from Hubley. As a result, all remaining Hubley/Ertl metal kits are fairly rare. They can be purchased from auction web sites as well as from collectors and older hobby stores.”
Read MoreHubley Cast Iron “Giro Plane” & Tootsie Toy Airplane Set of 3 *SOLD*
Hubley Cast Iron “Giro Plane” & Tootsie Toy Airplane Set of 3
We have for you a highly desirable cast iron “Giro Plane” that was manufactured by Hubley Manufacturing Company of Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Also included is an airplane manufactured by TootsieToy of Chicago, Illinois, and an unmarked possibly lead airplane.
These pieces are all in good to very good all original condition with no breaks, restorations, repairs, or touch-ups. These pieces show the usual patina, fading, dust, chips, scuffs, surface rust, scratches, missing accessories, and wear that is to be expected from age and play. We encourage you to examine the photographs to further determine condition and quality.
A brief history of Hubley Manufacturing Company of Lancaster, Pennsylvania:
The Hubley Manufacturing Company was first incorporated in 1894 in Lancaster, Pennsylvania by John Hubley. Their slogan was “They’re Different”. They were occasionally known as Lancaster Brand Iron Toys which manufactured electric toy train equipment and parts. In 1909, they purchased the Safety Buggy Co. factory and moved to the site. The first Hubley toys appeared in 1909 and were made of cast iron, with themes that ranged from horse-drawn vehicles, fire engines, circus trains, different breeds of dogs, tractors, steam shovels, horses, banks, and cap guns.
The Hubley Manufacturing Company produced a wide range of cast-iron toys, doorstops, and bookends. Toys, particularly motor vehicles and cap guns, were also produced in zinc alloy and plastic. The company is probably most well-known for its detailed scale metal kits of Classic cars in about 1:20 scale. Starting in 1960, Hubley participated for a couple of years with Detroit automakers as a plastic promotional model maker. Many Hubley toys are now sought-after collectibles. Hubley’s main competition in the early years was Arcade as well as a bit from A.C. Williams.
By the 1930s autos became the headliners. By quickly converting to cheaper smaller toys during the Depression, they avoided the financial woes experienced by many other toy companies. Iron shortages in WWII and commitments to fill war contracts did stop the toy division in 1942, until after the war.
As of 2019, Wikipedia tells us, “Perhaps Hubley’s diversification in the 1960s overtaxed its profits, weakening it financially by the 1970s. Hubley was purchased by toymaker Gabriel about 1969 who continued to make its regular kits and diecast kids toys through the 1970s. A series of colorful but rather unexciting generic make diecast toy trucks were available in a variety of forms (dump truck, tow truck, etc.) up until about 1980. Gradually, the Hubley name was downplayed in favor of Gabriel.
Around 1980, Hubley was acquired by CBS Toys which later sold many dies to Ertl and Scale Models, both of Dyersville, Iowa. For example, the Hubley Ford 4000 tractor was reproduced by Scale Models, up through the 1990s and perhaps later (Scale Models 2010). In the 1990s, some Hubley vehicles like the school bus were also reissued with minor variations from the original casting.
Ertl has now stopped production of all of the original toy dies and molds purchased from Hubley. As a result, all remaining Hubley/Ertl metal kits are fairly rare. They can be purchased from auction websites as well as from collectors and older hobby stores.”
Read MoreHubley Cast Iron Olive Oyl & Wimpy Figurine Popeye the Sailor *SOLD*
Hubley Cast Iron Olive Oyl & Wimpy Figurine Popeye the Sailor
We have for you a set of cast iron Olive Oyl and Wimpy figurines from Popeye the Sailor manufactured by Hubley Manufacturing Company of Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
These pieces are in fair to good all original condition with no breaks, restorations, repairs, or touch-ups. These pieces show the usual patina, fading, dust, chips, scuffs, surface rust, scratches, missing accessories, and wear that is to be expected from age and play. Wimpy is approximately 3” H and Olive Oyl is approximately 3 ¼” H. We invite you to view the photos to further determine quality and condition.
A brief history of Hubley Manufacturing Company of Lancaster, Pennsylvania:
The Hubley Manufacturing Company was first incorporated in 1894 in Lancaster, Pennsylvania by John Hubley. Their slogan was “They’re Different”. They were occasionally known as Lancaster Brand Iron Toys which manufactured electric toy train equipment and parts. In 1909, they purchased the Safety Buggy Co. factory and moved to the site. The first Hubley toys appeared in 1909 and were made of cast iron, with themes that ranged from horse-drawn vehicles, fire engines, circus trains, different breeds of dogs, tractors, steam shovels, horses, banks, and cap guns.
The Hubley Manufacturing Company produced a wide range of cast-iron toys, doorstops, and bookends. Toys, particularly motor vehicles and cap guns, were also produced in zinc alloy and plastic. The company is probably most well-known for its detailed scale metal kits of Classic cars in about 1:20 scale. Starting in 1960, Hubley participated for a couple of years with Detroit automakers as a plastic promotional model maker. Many Hubley toys are now sought-after collectibles. Hubley’s main competition in the early years was Arcade as well as a bit from A.C. Williams.
By the 1930s autos became the headliners. By quickly converting to cheaper smaller toys during the Depression, they avoided financial woes experienced by many other toy companies. Iron shortages in WWII and commitments to fill war contracts did stop the toy division in 1942, until after the war.
As of 2019, Wikipedia tells us, “Perhaps Hubley’s diversification in the 1960s overtaxed its profits, weakening it financially by the 1970s. Hubley was purchased by toymaker Gabriel about 1969 who continued to make its regular kits and diecast kids toys through the 1970s. A series of colorful but rather unexciting generic make diecast toy trucks were available in a variety of forms (dump truck, tow truck, etc.) up until about 1980. Gradually, the Hubley name was downplayed in favor of Gabriel.
Around 1980, Hubley was acquired by CBS Toys which later sold many dies to Ertl and Scale Models, both of Dyersville, Iowa. For example, the Hubley Ford 4000 tractor was reproduced by Scale Models, up through the 1990s and perhaps later (Scale Models 2010). In the 1990s, some Hubley vehicles like the school bus were also reissued with minor variations from the original casting.
Ertl has now stopped production of all of the original toy dies and molds purchased from Hubley. As a result, all remaining Hubley/Ertl metal kits are fairly rare. They can be purchased from auction websites as well as from collectors and older hobby stores.”
Read MoreHubley Cast Iron “Lindy” Lockheed Sirius Airplane *SOLD*
Hubley Cast Iron “Lindy” Lockheed Sirius Airplane
Our cast iron Lindy plane, the Lockheed Sirius, was destined for a deep collection but took a left turn. Family obligations took precedent, so we feel lucky to offer it here to our readers. It is, arguably, the finest airplane toy in cast iron ever made in terms of elegance. The Sirius was aviator Charles Lindberg’s record-breaking plane ca 1930 and Hubley did an exquisite rendering.
We surmise that Lindy and Hubley had the airplane production halted due to the fate of the Lindberg baby. It is an extremely rare toy. His wife, pregnant wife, was the co-pilot when they made a travel record from New York to LA in this aircraft.
Condition on the toy is used with chipping to the black. The orange paint is much stronger with gold highlights. Part of the Hubley brand decal is still affixed to the left elevator.
Of note is that this is the first release with cast iron wings. Again, a great subset within the already rare lindy toy. Price hurt its production run, and it was released during the Great Depression.
The wheels and propeller are all original as is the entire toy. It was kid used and then well preserved to today, approximately 90 years later.
History on the Sirius and Lockheed and Lindy:
Lindbergh wanted his new plane to be able to make a nonstop flight across the United States, as well as scout new air routes to China. It was up to Lockheed to invent the technology to meet his needs. Lindbergh’s list of custom touches included a tandem cockpit with dual controls and sliding canopy to accommodate him and his co-pilot—his seven-month’s-pregnant wife, Anne Morrow Lindbergh. The fuselage needed to be big enough to allow for full use of parachutes in case they needed to make a mid-air exit. Room also had to be made for state-of-the-art navigation equipment and a small generator that could power the Lindbergh’s’ electrically warmed flight suits.
Lockheed chief engineer Gerard Vultee designed the Lockheed 8 Sirius based on Lindbergh’s specifications. Slightly smaller than the Spirit of St. Louis—just shy of 43 feet to the St. Louis’s 46—the Sirius was capable of traveling 185 miles per hour compared to the St. Louis’s top speed of 133 mph. It was delivered in April 1930, and within days Charles and Anne embarked from Los Angeles, arriving in New York City 14 hours, 45 minutes, and 32 seconds later—breaking the previous record by 3 hours.
A brief history of Hubley Manufacturing Company of Lancaster, Pennsylvania:
The Hubley Manufacturing Company was first incorporated in 1894 in Lancaster, Pennsylvania by John Hubley. Their slogan was “They’re Different”. They were occasionally known as Lancaster Brand Iron Toys which manufactured electric toy train equipment and parts. In 1909, they purchased the Safety Buggy Co. factory and moved to the site. The first Hubley toys appeared in 1909 and were made of cast-iron, with themes that ranged from horse-drawn vehicles, fire engine, circus trains, different breeds of dogs, tractors, steam shovels, horses, banks, and cap guns.
The Hubley Manufacturing Company produced a wide range of cast-iron toys, doorstops, and bookends. Toys, particularly motor vehicles and cap guns, were also produced in zinc alloy and plastic. The company is probably most well known for its detailed scale metal kits of Classic cars in about 1:20 scale. Starting in 1960, Hubley participated for a couple of years with Detroit automakers as a plastic promotional model maker. Many Hubley toys are now sought-after collectibles. Hubley’s main competition in the early years was Arcade as well as a bit from A.C. Williams.
By the 1930’s autos became the headliners. By quickly converting to cheaper smaller toys during the Depression, they avoided financial woes experienced by many other toy companies. Iron shortages in WWII and commitments to fill war contracts did stop the toy division in 1942, until after the war.
As of 2019, Wikipedia tells us that, “Perhaps Hubley’s diversification in the 1960s overtaxed its profits, weakening it financially by the 1970s. Hubley was purchased by toy maker Gabriel about 1969 who continued to make its regular kits and diecast kids toys through the 1970s. A series of colorful but rather unexciting generic make diecast toy trucks were available in a variety of forms (dump truck, tow truck, etc.) up until about 1980. Gradually, the Hubley name was downplayed in favor of Gabriel.
Around 1980, Hubley was acquired by CBS Toys which later sold many dies to Ertl and Scale Models, both of Dyersville, Iowa. For example, the Hubley Ford 4000 tractor was reproduced by Scale Models, up through the 1990s and perhaps later (Scale Models 2010). In the 1990s, some Hubley vehicles like the school bus, were also reissued with minor variations from the original casting.
Ertl has now stopped production of all of the original toy dies and molds purchased from Hubley. As a result, all remaining Hubley/Ertl metal kits are fairly rare. They can be purchased from auction web sites as well as from collectors and older hobby stores.”
Read More