Search results for: cast iron toys
Hubley Toys Cast Iron Motorcycle Crash Car *SOLD*
Hubley Toys Cast Iron Motorcycle Crash Car
This is a cast iron motorcycle crash car that was manufactured by Hubley Manufacturing Company of Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
The white rubber tires are still intact, but as per usual with toys of this age, they may have petrified, discolored, warped, and/or cracked.
This piece is in very good all original 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 4 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 with Detroit automakers for a couple of years 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, CBS Toys acquired Hubley, 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, collectors, and older hobby stores.”
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Hubley Toys Cast Iron #376 Midget “COP” Motorcycle w/Sidecar 4″ *SOLD*
Hubley Toys Cast Iron #376 Midget “COP” Motorcycle w/Sidecar 4″
We love nickel, dime, and quarter cast iron; and here is a great entry motorcycle for cast iron collectors. Our cop cycle is all original with nickel-plated wheels and original paint.
Look closely and you will find the typical Hubley brand toys axle pean. Casting details are realistic and yet impressionistic, testing the limits of simple and inexpensive along with art. Hubley even thinned out the casting to save weight and cost.
The toy is all original and we do not see any breaks or cracks, making it a great survivor.
This is approximately 4″ L.
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 with Detroit automakers for a couple of years 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, CBS Toys acquired Hubley, 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, collectors, and older hobby stores.”
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Kenton Toys ca. 1930s Cast Iron Nite Coach Bus *SOLD*
Kenton Toys ca. 1930s Cast Iron Nite Coach Bus
-Beautiful two tone Kenton bus! RARE model ca 1930, the Great Depression, which didn’t sell well.
No cracks or issues. Original toy! Approximately 7″ L.
A brief history of Kenton Toys/ Kenton Hardware Co. of Kenton, Ohio:
Kenton Hardware Co. of Kenton, Ohio was founded by F.M. Perkins (Patented line of refrigerator hardware). They operated from about 1890 to 1952.
Their specialty was toy production which began in 1894 with a line of horse-drawn fire equipment, banks, and toy stoves. The company was renamed Kenton Hardware in 1900 and then it became part of the Mammoth National Novelty Corporation merger in 1903 which continued its toy line under the name Wing Mfg. Co. Kenton was involved in several unsuccessful takeovers until it eventually emerged as a separate unit, the Kenton Hardware Co., and again produced toys successfully from 1920 to 1935.
Kenton ceased production in 1952 and the assets were sold in 1953. The Littlestown Hardware & Foundry acquired many Kenton toy designs and marketed them under the brand “Utexiqual”. Littlestown eventually folded in 1982.
Modern collectors have to thank Kenton collector Robert Saylor and all of his tireless research on Kenton toys; his cataloging has immeasurably helped our hobby.
Read MoreKenton Toys ca. 1930s Cast Iron Buckeye Ditcher Deluxe 12″ *SOLD*
Kenton Toys ca. 1930s Cast Iron Buckeye Ditcher Deluxe 12″
Our cast iron toy is a tour-de-force of cast iron prowess. Kenton Toys produced this Buckeye brand ditching machine circa 1931, during the Great Depression. This excellent condition deluxe toy just wasn’t sold much.
The castings are fine and exceptionally detailed, with sculpted rivets, raised Buckeye brand lettering, and numerous cross braces. Our toy is original and it is a miracle it survived the 90+ years. Chains look great and buckets still retail the galvanized dip.
Crank the toy’s winch, and you can raise the digging bucket-laden arm. Pull the lever and it releases this raised arm to the ground and below. It does not have a sheet metal pan, where the buckets would empty.
Chain-driven wheels work, as does the crank for digging dirt. Each of these mechanisms uses a piano-style chain, and is a great nod to early American toy-making- do it in metal with style!
This Kenton Buckeye Ditcher is the large deluxe version– approximately 12″ Long!
We emphasize that this is only the third time we have had this toy for sale, and it’s the best condition one! Depression-era toys in large sizes just didn’t sell well, and most were used up. Cast iron was then recycled for World War II & countless toys were melted down.
A brief history of Kenton Toys/ Kenton Hardware Co. of Kenton, Ohio:
Kenton Hardware Co. of Kenton, Ohio was founded by F.M. Perkins (Patented line of refrigerator hardware). They operated from about 1890 to 1952.
Their specialty was toy production which began in 1894 with a line of horse-drawn fire equipment, banks, and toy stoves. The company was renamed Kenton Hardware in 1900 and then it became part of the Mammoth National Novelty Corporation merger in 1903 which continued its toy line under the name Wing Mfg. Co. Kenton was involved in several unsuccessful takeovers until it eventually emerged as a separate unit, the Kenton Hardware Co., and again produced toys successfully from 1920 to 1935.
Kenton ceased production in 1952 and the assets were sold in 1953. The Littlestown Hardware & Foundry acquired many Kenton toy designs and marketed them under the brand “Utexiqual”. Littlestown eventually folded in 1982.
Modern collectors have to thank Kenton collector Robert Saylor and all of his tireless research on Kenton toys; his cataloging has immeasurably helped our hobby.
Read MoreHubley Toys ca. 1930 Cast Iron Bremen Airplane *SOLD*
Hubley Toys ca. 1930 Cast Iron Bremen Airplane
Enjoy this beautiful and detailed rendition of the Bremen airplane ca. 1930. Hubley Toys made this cast iron plane with nickel-plated details and steel wheels.
Our toy is all original with proper paint and wheels from the factory.
Unique corrugated steel was used to build these, similar to Ford airplanes; so Hubley cast in this undulating detail. Cockpit and passenger figures are also cast, then riveted, then riveted in place.
Kid play, chipping, and aging is present, but the toy is free of breaks.
A brief history of Hubley Manufacturing Company of Lancaster, Pennsylvania:
1894-Current (Division of ERTL)
Founder John E. Hubley
Specialty: 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 with Detroit automakers for a couple of years 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 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, CBS Toys acquired Hubley, 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 MoreArcade Toys ca. 1933 Cast Iron Pierce Silver Arrow 7″ *SOLD*
Arcade Toys ca. 1933 Cast Iron Pierce Silver Arrow 7″
This Silver Arrow car is a Pierce Arrow toy, made by Arcade toys circa 1933. Confusing, but the fact of the matter is this was America’s version of a Rolls Royce car; it, unfortunately, flopped in real life and was too expensive. Arcade toys captured the model in infamy.
Our toy is original with hard rubber tires and some dirt on the wheels from kid play. Some glue was added to the wheels near the axles for stability. We do not see any cracks or chips; the condition is all original.
Paintwork is all original with a great silver grey and some red highlighting on the lettering. The grill is nickel plated.
Sotheby’s had a great write-up on this 1933 which we will quote “Even among this rarefied company, Pierce-Arrow’s Silver Arrow stood out. Its creation was a meeting of the minds of youthful stylist Phillip O. Wright and new Pierce-Arrow President Roy Faulkner. Based upon a 139-inch-wheelbase, 12-cylinder chassis, it had an automatic clutch and power-assisted brakes, among other advances. But these advancements all paled in comparison to the gleaming silver coachwork, a streamlined design with a roof that covered, in one smooth plane, all of the way to the rear of the car; flush-fitting doors with door handles inset out of the airstream; and a “step-down” interior that predicted Cord by three years and Hudson by 15.”
A history of the Arcade Manufacturing Company of Freeport, Illinois:
1885 – 1941
Founder: Al Baumgarten, Cyrus Tobias, Edward H. Morgan, and Charles Morgan
Specialty: The Arcade Manufacturing Company of Freeport, Illinois was originally founded as Novelty Iron Works by Edward H. and Charles Morgan in 1875, and conducted business in two small buildings with a staff of ten people. They manufactured cast iron products including pumps, windmills, iron pavements, storefronts, and agricultural products such as feed grinders. By 1884, Novelty Iron Works was no longer in business and the New Union Manufacturing Company is founded this same year by E.H. Morgan, Charles Morgan, and Cyrus Tobias. The company exclusively manufactures coffee and spice mills.
On October 20, 1885, the Arcade Manufacturing Company is incorporated by Al Baumgarten, Cyrus Tobias, Edward H. Morgan, and Charles Morgan. Sometime between 1885 and 1890, the company produces its first toy, a miniature box coffee mill. Between 1885 and 1893 the location of the Arcade factory moves around to several Freeport locations. In February of 1893, Arcade officials build a large factory at the new location and would remain there until the plant ceases production of all products in the 1950s.
Arcade toy catalogs appear to start in 1902 and as late as 1939. Arcade`s toy line included over 300 toy items. In 1900, the company initiated the production of stamped steel items for dolls, including buggies, cradles, beds, and swings. Additionally, they introduced a line of cast iron banks. As time progressed, the company expanded its toy offerings to include several horse-drawn toys. They also manufactured various other early toys such as pile drivers, railroad wrecking cars, lawnmowers, miniature cook stoves, sad irons, wheelbarrows, windmills, pumps, floor trains, and jackstones.
In 1919, toys constituted a small portion of Arcade’s overall business. At that point in time, toys constituted a mere 5% of Arcade’s overall product line, reflecting the company’s diverse range of offerings. The company came up with the concept of producing “novelty items” inspired by their own products and logos. Around 1920, they released their first promotional toys, which included the Red Goose Bank (associated with Red Goose Shoes), a miniature Avery tractor, and the Buster Brown Jack Set (related to another children’s shoe company).
In 1921, Isaac P. Gassman, the secretary and sales manager of Arcade, embarked on a trip to Chicago to visit a friend who had previously lived in Freeport, Illinois and now held the position of president at the Yellow Cab Company. During their meeting, an intriguing idea emerged between the two men. They reached an agreement that Arcade would undertake the production of a scaled-down replica of the famous Yellow Cab. The licensing agreement with the Yellow Cab Company, allowed them to manufacture and sell a realistic toy version of the Yellow Cab. This toy became a game-changer for the company, leading them to shift their primary focus to toy production. Company executives took a risk by deciding to produce high-quality, albeit more expensive, toys that were exact replicas of the real vehicles. They were initially concerned that the public might not be willing to spend more on toys no matter how high-quality they may be. However, their gamble paid off as they created a market by offering toys that truly appealed to children. The demand for their toys soared, and they quickly expanded their product line to include other replicas such as the Fordson Tractor, Andy Gump Car, Chester Gump in His Pony Cart, Oliver Plow, W. & K. Truck Trailer, and International Harvester Trucks. Arcade maintained a steadfast commitment to quality and authenticity, never compromising on these aspects. Each new toy’s pattern (mold) was meticulously crafted without sparing any expense. During this period, the company adopted the slogan “They Look Real.” By 1926, the revenue generated by Arcade’s cast iron toy division had nearly matched that of all other products, resulting in almost a million dollars in toy sales.
In 1928, Arcade introduced a captivating storybook for children called the “Tiny Arcadians.” This enchanting tale revolves around a group of fairy folk who embark on a mission to create toys for underprivileged children. The toys crafted by the Arcadians are not only visually appealing but also durable, ensuring the children’s happiness. The company generously distributed the storybook free of charge to anyone who requested it, spreading joy and imagination.
The year 1929 witnessed Arcade’s introduction of a toy inspired by the steamboat featured in the film “Showboat.” This particular toy boat, along with a steamboat bank, constituted the only two boat toys ever produced by Arcade. Additionally, the company delighted children with a deluxe ten-foot dollhouse that boasted electric lights, providing an extra touch of realism and excitement.
In 1933, Arcade’s creative prowess was evident as they designed a collection of toys specifically for the 1933 Century of Progress World’s Fair held in Chicago. This lineup included various sizes of buses known as “people-movers,” taxis, and Railplane cars, all adorned with the emblem “Century of Progress, Chicago, 1933” on their roofs. These toys captured the spirit of the fair and showcased Arcade’s dedication to innovation.
Arcade’s reputation soared in 1935 when they received a special order from the Canadian Greyhound Lines who commissioned Arcade to create five toy greyhound buses, one named for each of the renowned Dionne Quintuplet children of Canada; Yvonne, Annette, Cécile, Émilie, and Marie. Each bus featured the respective sister’s name meticulously stenciled on the roof, making these pieces truly unique and perhaps the most coveted items ever produced by Arcade.
In 1941, Arcade experienced a significant shift in its manufacturing endeavors. Due to the outbreak of World War II, the company made the noble decision to cease production of cast iron toys. Their resources were redirected towards supporting the war effort. Following the war, the toy manufacturing landscape underwent transformations as aluminum and plastics emerged as preferred materials for production. Consequently, Arcade never resumed toy manufacturing activities.
In 1947, Isaac P. Gassman, an executive at Arcade, generously donated the company’s collection of toys to the Stephenson County Historical Society. This substantial donation, consisting of various toys, found a permanent home and has been on public display ever since. Over time, the collection has expanded to include more than 800 toy examples, creating a captivating and cherished exhibit at the museum.
Read MoreThomas Toys Cast Iron 1934 Studebaker Roadster in Box *SOLD*
Thomas Toys Cast Iron Hubley 1934 Studebaker Roadster in Box
This is another Thomas Toys release of a Hubley 1934 Studebaker. Thomas Toys in the 70’s and 80’s would recast cast iron toys that collectors couldn’t find. Releases were limited, it appears, to be under 100.
Collectors should consider this due to the rarity of the originals and price. Originals are scant and sell above 1000 often; this costs a fraction and fits well in a nice car display.
The white rubber tires are still intact, but as per usual with toys of this age, they may have petrified, discolored, warped, and/or cracked.
Read MoreKenton Toys Cast Iron Tow Truck *SOLD*
Kenton Toys Cast Iron Tow Truck For Sale
We have a rare treat with this cast iron tow truck by Kenton Toys. It is circa 1925 and an early model with fragile tow boom.
In the day, these didn’t have a closed cab, and were soon replaced with safer trucks with cabs.
The toy appears original and in very good condition. There is nice yellow on the rims and it appears to have the original hook and rope. The driver is a replacement. The toy appears free of cracks or chips.
There are proper gold hilights still on the headlights. Rims retain silver on the rims with kid wear.
Kenton Toys are one of the top cast iron toys these days and this surely will not last long. It is priced due to condition and extreme rarity.
Read MoreThomas Toys Ford Sedan “Cast Iron AC Williams” *SOLD*
Thomas Toys Ford Sedan “Cast Iron AC Williams”
This is another Thomas Toys release of a nearly impossible AC Williams sedan circa 1935. Thomas Toys in the 70’s and 80’s would recast cast iron toys that collectors couldn’t find. Releases were limited, it appears, to under 100.
Our re-release by Thomas is actually a lead cast toy and it is beautifully rendered in orange and bright red paint, with a steel nickel grill.
Collectors should consider this due to the rarity of the originals and price. Originals are scant and sell above 1000 often; this costs a fraction and fits well in a nice car display.
Read MoreArcade Toys Cast Iron Ambulance *SOLD*
Arcade Toys Cast Iron Ambulance
Our ambulance is the quintessential nickel grill 1930’s toy and a tough one to find. Ambulance toys were often late toy runs and afterthoughts by toy companies. They were an easy way to sell a “new” variety.
Our toy is used and original. The important crosses are there, hand painted at the factory. The nickel grill is partially oxidized with nickel plating.
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