Kelmet “White” White Motor Co. “Big Boy” Pressed Steel Dual Wheel Hydraulic Dump Truck *SOLD*

Kelmet “White” White Motor Co. “Big Boy” Pressed Steel Dual Wheel Hydraulic Dump Truck

We have for you an all original pressed steel Kelmet “White” dual wheel hydraulic “Big Boy” dump truck manufactured by the Kelmet Corporation of New York City, New York. 

This all original painted pressed steel “hydraulic dump” truck has a crank operated rear dump and tail gate. The cast iron spoked wheels roll smoothly as they should. 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 warping or cracking on this piece. The decals are all present, but may some have scratches, scuffs or missing parts. It is marked “White” on the grill and both running boards. The tailgate is intact, but has a piece of wire holding it closed for safety. 

Our example of this Kelmet White dump truck 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, and wear that are to be expected from age and play. It is approximately 26 ½” L. We invite you to view the photos to further determine quality and condition.   

A brief history of the Kelmet Corporation of New York City, New York: 

There is much information about this company that we could find other than it was founded in the early 1920’s (1923?)  in New York City, New York and stayed in business into the late 1920’s.  

Kelmet specialized in large-sized painted pressed steel trucks. The company also produced toys under the name “Trumodel” and the “Big Boy” line which they manufactured for J.C. Penny.  The “Big Boy” decal that appears on the sides of Kelmet toy trucks are also accompanied by the “White” decals or marks on them. That name “White” is for the famous White Motor Company which an American automobile, truck, bus and agricultural tractor manufacturer from about 1900 until 1980. The White Motor Company also produced bicycles, roller skates, automatic lathes, and sewing machines.  

An interesting side note, many of Kelmet’s parts were subcontracted to the American toy company A.C. Gilbert. A.C. Gilbert Company was famous for once being one of the largest toy companies in the world, who originated the Erector Set, which is a construction toy similar to Meccano in the rest of the world.