Buddy L ca. 1950s Pressed Steel No. 3859 Hydraulic Dumper Grain Dump Truck Green and White for Sale

Buddy L ca. 1950s Pressed Steel No. 3859 Hydraulic Dumper Grain Dump Truck Green and White

This is a ca. 1950s Buddy L No. 3859 hydraulic dumper grain type dump truck manufactured by the Buddy L Toy Company (Buddy L)/Moline Pressed Steel Co. of East Moline, Illinois, featuring a pressed steel body in green and white with intact original decals. The hydraulic dump bed mechanism functions powerfully—a playful demonstration could send small toys flying! The rubber tires and hubs are intact, as are the grille and bumper. There is paint chipping throughout, consistent with age and use. A great example of a vintage mid-century Buddy L truck, measuring approximately 19 ½” L. The item comes as shown.

 

 

A brief history of Moline Pressed Steel Company/Buddy L Toy Company of East Moline, Illinois:    

The Buddy L Toy Company was founded in East Moline, Illinois in 1920 by Fred A. Lundahl. However, Moline Pressed Steel Company did not start manufacturing toys under the Buddy L name until 1921 starting with a pressed steel pick-up truck that expanded into a veritable fleet of almost 30 cranes and other construction toys some five years later. Up until that point, Moline Pressed Steel Company manufactured parts for farm implements, truck parts, and automobile fenders and other stamped auto body parts for the automobile industry.    

It is interesting to note, that the company was named after the founder’s son Arthur whose nickname was Buddy L. Lundahl started the company because he wanted to make toys that were new, different, and durable. Buddy L produced cranes, steamrollers, trucks, trains, and construction toys.     

Throughout the years the company that manufactured Buddy L had many names beginning with Moline Pressed Steel Co. until Mr. Lundahl sold the company during the depression. After that, the company switched hands a few times before being sold off in 1995 by SLM International under bankruptcy protection. By 2010, Buddy L was owned by Empire Industries of Boca Raton, Florida, a subsidiary of Empire of Carolina where it has become more of a name than a toy maker. In 2001, after filing bankruptcy Empire Industries and its holdings were sold to Alpha International, Inc./Gearbox Pedal Car Company/Gearbox Toys/J. Lloyd International of Cedar Rapids, Iowa.     

Other names: Moline Press Steel Company (1910 -1913); Buddy L Manufacturing (1930); Buddy L Wood Products (1944); Buddy L Corp. (to date).