Arcade Cast Iron Taxi Custom Order *SOLD*

SOLD

Details: Arcade taxi with original nickel driver (most were lost), and custom painted phone number.  Spectacular phone number 6500 is likely from Washington State.  -Have never seen another 6500.  Then have never seen such a large application on the top of a cab before.  It is challenging to emphasize how unusual this marking is, but likely the original order was a few hundred, then most were recycled or thrown away (WW2 drives for Boeing and metal recycling).  Note too that white painted tires were an option and these have survived relatively well for nearly 100 years.

Size: 7.75″

Material: Cast Iron

Condition: Good condition. This authentic car has signs of aging and light chipping.

Manufacturer: Arcade

Year: 1920’s

Special Note: I always try to do the best at photographing each item to show its true color and detail. Color differences due to flash and lighting sometimes may occur. Detailing may appear more or less defined when photographed.

A brief history of Arcade Manufacturing Company of Freeport, Illinois:

The Arcade Manufacturing Company of Freeport, Illinois was originally founded as Novelty Iron Works by Edward H. and Charles Morgan in 1868, and conducted business in two small buildings with a staff of ten people.

The company operated between the years 1868 to 1946. They began making toys and coffee mills and then moved to a new site in 1893 (after fires, financial issues, and changing their name from Novelty Iron Works). 

Arcade toy catalogs appear to start at 1902 and as late as 1939. Arcade`s toy line included over 300 toy items. Yellow Cab was their first successful toy followed by Andy Gump in 348 and Chester Gump in His Pony Cart. Arcade also made toy banks, doll house furniture, and cast-iron penny toys.