Search results for: hubley motorcycle
Hubley Parcel Post Cast Iron Motorcycle *SOLD*
Parcel Post Cast Iron Motorcycle by Hubley
Our cast iron Hubley is a great original toy but with some quirks. The olive paint on the motorcycle is all original and the car 70% with a replaced rear door.
We note documentation in 1907 for rural postmasters to use these motorcycles. The USPS, in fact, provides us with an example of a postal carrier motorcycle behind a postal van (see picture). The post office notes that around 1928 most of these trikes were phased out.
Our toy example appears in the 1928 Lancaster Brand Iron and Steel Toy Catalog. This Harley mimics the real three wheeler, but as the USPS phased them out of service, we see the toy disappear soon after from catalogs.
We note that the driver is in better condition and appears original. The driver is the proper blue with orange cap, and likely paired later as a replacement.
Read MoreHubley ca. 1930’s Cast Iron Popeye the Sailor Spinach Motorcycle *SOLD*
Hubley ca. 1930’s Cast Iron Popeye the Sailor Spinach Motorcycle
We have for you a highly desirable ca. 1930’s cast iron Popeye the Sailor spinach motorcycle manufactured by Hubley Manufacturing Company of Lancaster, PA.
The black rubber tires are still intact, but as per usual with toys of this age they may have petrified, warped and/or cracked. We did not notice any problem with the tires. The driver is a professional cast iron reproduction of the original driver.
This piece is in great all original condition (with exception to the driver) with no breaks, restorations, repairs, or touch ups. This piece shows the usual patina, fading, dust, chips, scuffs, surface rust, scratches, and wear that are to be expected from age and play. This is approximately 5 ½” L x 3” W. 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 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.”
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Hubley Cast Iron Motorcycle Cop with Battery Operated Light *SOLD*
Hubley Cast Iron Motorcycle Cop with Battery Operated Light
This is a cast iron motorcycle cop with battery operated light in blue with gold accents that was manufactured by Hubley Manufacturing Company of Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
The rubber tires are still intact in excellent condition, but as per usual with toys of this age they may have petrified and show cracking. The light bulb is a replacement, but it does work. Just add in a AA battery and the lever near the driver’s seat flips on the light. The lever’s fragile tab has been resoldered on to repair it. The red wooden hubs are in great and sturdy condition.
This Hubley cast iron motorcycle cop is in great all original condition with no touch ups. This piece shows the usual patina, dust, chips, scuffs, surface rust, scratches, and wear that are to be expected from age and play. This is approximately 6 ¼” 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 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 Two Cop Motorcycle in Orange *SOLD*
Hubley Two Cop Motorcycle in Orange
Our slick two cop motorcycle in orange is an oddity. We can’t imagine too many cops wanting to ride tandem. As such, this motorcycle didn’t stay on market that long. Then as is often the case, orange is a sought after and more challenging color to find.
Condition on the motorcycle is good used original. There are no cracks that we see. We also see the proper dark black patina in chipped and raw metal spots. The orange paint is still bright.
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.
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 Battery Op Motorcycle *SOLD*
Hubley Cast Iron Battery Opp. Motorcycle
Our luck is here, and we have a fresh orange motorcycle to offer. Orange is a tougher color on these and the gold swoop and red wood rims are a nice accent.
Just add in a AA battery and the lever near the driver’s seat flips on the light. Ours works and you can see it tested in one photo.
These castings were fragile around the handlebar and this is a clean unbroken original.
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 Civilian Motorcycle Cast Iron Toy *SOLD*
Hubley Cast Iron Civilian Motorcycle
Our classic Hubley motorcycle is offered in original condition with the desirable civilian rider. Most had motorcycle cop figures, this one has the iconic non-helmet 1930’s riding cap in gold. The Hubley Motorcycle has chromed spoked wheels and the classic olive with gold highlighted Harley Davidson on the tanks.
Condition is very good and original. The wheel rubber is heavily cracked and some glue was added to it to stabilize the original rubber.
Note the smoother and crisp molding on the driver and fender posts. The show the originality and skill of the Hubley cast iron factory. Also note the original rivets hammered in the fasten the two cycle halves.
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.”
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Hubley Cast Iron Motorcycle Hill Climber Racer #7 *SOLD*
Hubley Motorcycle- Hillclimber Racer #7
Our Hillclimber Racer #7 will be put in the collection of AntiqueToys.com…. but we wish to share.
In this toy, we have the strange occurrence where MORE chipping and wear actually helps the visual character of a toy. Yes, the old wear really brings out the sculpting in this Hubley Motorcycle. the folds of the driver, the ripples in the shirt, the grip of the fingers, are really highlighted with wear.
Caress the crackle of the dusty tires and relish what age did the to rubber. It isn’t something you can sculpt new; age rules the aesthetic.
So sink your teeth/eyes into this visual delight. Dawdle over this cast iron motorcycle goodness and reflect on how some toys are toys. Their play can enhance a look!
Read MoreHubley Harley Davidson Motorcycle for Sale *SOLD*
Hubley Harley Davidson motorcycle for sale
Our Harley is an early and fragile light up variation. Then the toy is a rare orange color, making it extra desirable.
Paintwork is original and tires are original. It is a great toy to accent a Cast Iron or Hubley Harley collection.
Hubley Mfg. Co. Lancaster, Pennsylvania
1894 to date
Slogan: “They`re Different”
Founder: John E. Hubley
Specialty: Brand name: Lancaster Brand Iron Toys. Originally manufactured electric toy train equipment and parts. Purchased Safety Buggy Co. factory and moved to site in 1909. First manufactured cast-iron toys, horse-drawn wagons and fire engines, circus trains, and cap guns. Toy autos became the headliners in 1930s. 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.. The name was later changed to Gabriel Industries and still existed as a division of CBS as of 1978.
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Hubley Cast Iron Motorcycles
What a great opportunity to show off some Harley and cop motorcycle toys by Hubley. These solid cast iron toys were made in the 1930’s and help showcase the prowess of the tool makers at Hubley. Each of these castings was done by artists and in each you can see the strong points. I happen…
Read MoreHubley COP Motorcycle-Midget no 376 with Sidecar *SOLD*
Hubley COP Motorcycle-Midget no 376 with Sidecar
Most of these Hubley motorcycles were used and abused. This red No 376 COP motorcycle with sidecar is in excellent original condition.
The toy also has its fragile headlight still intact and passenger present.
This is a great toy, as many of the motorcycle toys Hubley made really capture the mood of early cycling and the American days of the wild 20’s and 30’s where cars and cycles were all about function & not safety. The lines are simple and clean.
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