Arcade Cast Iron “Wards Complete Toy Farm Set” in Box *SOLD*

Arcade Cast Iron “Wards Complete Toy Farm Set” in Box 

We have for you this rare and not often seen on the market “Wards Complete Toy Farm Set” in box that was manufactured by the Arcade Manufacturing Company of Freeport, Illinois.      

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. The box is in fair/good condition and displays well. The front of the box has been reinforced with a thin piece of wood, some corners inner and outer are splitting from age and have old repairs. The insert for each implement is there. This comes with the disc harrow, mower, farm tractor, corn planter, and gang plow.  

These pieces are in 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. The box is approximately 15″ L x 12” W.  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 in 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, dollhouse furniture, and cast-iron penny toys.