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Arcade Andy Gump “The Gump’s” Sidney Smith Cast Iron Race Car #348 ca. 1920’s *SOLD*

Antique Arcade Andy Gump “The Gumps” Sidney Smith Cast Iron Race Car #348 ca. 1920’s

Well here we have the old-timer’s Holy Grail!  If you are into cast iron, “You ain’t anyone until you have an Andy Gump car”.  OK, yes it is an exaggeration, but this is a great toy. This is a ca. 1920’s Andy Gump cast iron race car #348 manufactured by the Arcade Manufacturing Company of Freeport, Illinois and licensed by Sidney Smith Corp.

The Gumps was a comic strip about a middle-class family. It was created by Sidney Smith in 1917, launching a 42-year run in newspapers from February 12, 1917, until October 17, 1959. Our example of this “Gump Mobile” is in good all original condition with no restorations, breaks or touch ups. The driver has been bolted back in place with a new bolt, as shown in our pictures. The wheels are pretty straight by cast iron standards and roll nicely. On the left inside edge it says, “Licensed by Sidney Smith Corp” and on the right “Made by Arcade Mfg. Co. Freeport Ill.”. It has the number “348” on the nickel plate grill. Andy and the wheels are all nickel plated as well.

The Andy Gump car came in a plain nickel variation without plates, then a painted version, and then a Deluxe painted version with plates and a hand crank. This one is the painted version without plates or hand crank. This race car shows the usual patina, chips, scuffs, scratches, heavy paint loss and wear that are to be expected from age and heavy use. It is approximately 7 ¼” in length. We invite you to view the photos to further determine quality and condition.

 

 

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.

Additional information

Weight 5 lbs
Dimensions 10 × 10 × 10 in
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