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Vintage Toy Collection — Cars, Trucks, Motorcycles — Spanning Generations From the 1920s, 30s, 40s, 50s
Introduction:
Quite honestly I never thought I would part with my toy car collection. Though not very big, each piece of this collection has a place in my heart — gathered along through life as they crossed my path and “spoke to me.”
As an only child, my playtime consisted of me and…whatever toy was my companion for that day. I would spend hours with toy soldiers battling through imaginary wars, or toy cars, trucks and motorcycles racing to the finish line, racing to a hold-up (my police Beetle) or racing to a fire (the largest of my collection and my masterpiece, my fire engine). I stumbled upon these gems and remembered them as old friends from my childhood, so I scooped them up as I traveled through life. Sometimes I was in disbelief when I saw them: “My old firetruck! There it is in the glass case! It looks just like the one I had!”
All of the pieces are worn with time, bearing the battle scars of their many escapades, but all have their wheels and working parts, (the propeller still spins!) all still function in their faded glory.
As I collected each piece, I named them. Some were actual names I used in childhood (The Masterpiece) and some just came to me as I held them. Until now they have occupied their own space on a shelf in my study. But as the years passed I handled them less and less, noticed them rarely…and life drifted on. Until one day when I decided they’d been ignored far too long.
Surely there is someone out there that will understand their allure and the joy of owning something from their childhood — or just something from a long-ago time when toys didn’t need batteries, didn’t have to be recharged, didn’t have a reset button. So today I dusted them off, pausing occasionally to race them along the tabletop and spin the propeller, and packed them in a box. They will remain together, I hope, although if there is someone who must have just one or two of the more valuable pieces, I would perhaps let it go. We shall see…
The Toys:
“The Masterpiece” 1920s Cast Iron Red Fire Truck, crafted by A.C. Williams Company. The company hand-crafted cast iron cars, trucks, planes, tractors and horse-drawn carriages from 1893 to 1923. I had this exact truck as a boy. It was the grand master of my collection, weighing 2 1/2 pounds! I remember letting neighborhood kids “hold it for a minute,” my hands hovering below theirs lest they drop my prized possession. I don’t remember how I came by it (my parents had no money, my father probably picked it up in a thrift store back then, his favorite spot) or whatever happened to it, but when I found it again at an antique mall some forty years later, I had to have it. This rare engine is valued anywhere from $80 to $200 today, depending on the condition. Mine is in great shape, although sadly the rear fireman is missing his all-important head. I’m estimating $125.
Length: 9.5 inches (24 centimeters)
Height: 4 inches (10 centimeters)
Width: 2.5 inches (6 centimeters)
Weight: 2.5 pounds (1 kilogram)
“The Green Monster” (So named by me because of his hefty weight — 2 pounds!) He is a 1940s Hubley Cast Iron Toy Motorcycle Cop. I wish I would have had this guy as a kid. He would have been riding side-by-side with my Masterpiece as they raced to a fire. It was a no-brainer when I found him as an adult: Had to have him. He is in amazing condition considering he’s been around for some 80 years! The Hubley Manufacturing Company was founded in 1894 by John Hubley in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, although the first toys didn’t appear until 1909. In addition to the motorcycle cop, they were known for horse-drawn carts, steam shovels, planes, and even guns. You may remember the cast iron dogs that were a signature of Hubley Toys. As a matter of fact, The Green Monster is one of three Hubley pieces I own (read on!). They were the best of the best. The Motorcycle Cop is valued around $125 today.
Length: 7 inches (17.7 centimeters)
Height: 4.75 (12 centimeters)
Width: 2 inches (5 centimeters)
Weight: 2 pounds (almost 1 kilogram)
“Camo Bomber” Another Hubley original, this cast iron bomber is one of my favorites. From it’s still-spinning propellor to the little painted “pilot” still showing through the canopy, this little plane has stood the test of time. I wonder how many small hands have felt its weight, spun its propeller? A great piece of history. Current value approximately $95.
Length: 4.25 inches (10.7 centimeters)
Height: 1.5 inches (3.8 centimeters)
Width: 5.25 (13 centimeters)
Weight: 9.3 ounces (263 grams)
“Motorcart Man” Hubley again. I found only one of this guy online, and in much worse condition — quite rusty. The paint on this one is remarkably well-preserved and all wheels spin beautifully. This one is quite valuable — as old Hubley’s can be. Listed as “rare and original” this cast iron piece dates back to the 1920s. It measures 4 inches long by 1 1/2 inches wide. I actually remember where I bought this guy: It was in a glass case at a rather large antique store in Santa Monica in the early 90s. Not even sure if it’s still there. This piece, like other cast iron toys, has a nice weight to it — 7.2 ounces (204 grams). This piece is a testament to the quality of Hubley cast-iron toys. They’re indestructible. Current value: around $250, due to its rarity.
Length: 4.5 inches (11.4 centimeters)
Height: 2.5 inches (6.3 centimeters)
Width: 1.25 inches (3 centimeters)
Weight: 7.2 ounces (204 grams)
“Blue Devil” This vintage Manoil die cast roadster coupe was made in 1936 — exactly the time the company began to manufacture toy cars (and then began a line of toy soldiers). Especially considering it’s age, this hot rod glides across the floor like a rocket! I did find this roadster online, but it had been stripped of its paint and wheels (the seller suggested it might have been because of plans to repaint and restore). At any rate, this is a fun one. Not as heavy as the cast iron Hubleys but equally as durable (obviously, since it’s been knocking around since the 1930s!) I have a similar race car (see below) that is unmarked by a manufacturer, though it is also die cast and most probably from the same time period. I would be open to letting the two go together — at no cost for the red one. They’re a nice pair. I would place value on this one from between $75 to $100, based on my online research.
Length: 6 inches (15 centimeters)
Height: 1.75 inches (4.4 centimeters)
Width: 1.25 inches (3 centimeters)
Weight: 3.5 ounces (99 grams)
“Red Devil” Since this car bears no maker and I couldn’t find anything similar online, it has no official history (although I’m sure some vintage toy car expert exists out there who could fill a page on it!). For me, it’s simply a cool toy car I found as a companion for my Blue Devil (see above description). It even has the exact same weight as its blue counterpart. It’s not as “zoomy” as the blue roadster, it’s wheels a little tighter, but still it has remained in tact for these many years. I sort of like that it has (for me) no history. It’s just a foster child that was welcomed into my home, no questions asked. Estimated value: $20 for it’s good condition and sturdy construction, although I would let it go at no cost with the Blue Devil purchase.
Length: 5.75 inches (14.6 centimeters)
Height: 1.25 inches (3 centimeters)
Width: 1.5 inches (4 centimeters)
Weight: 3.5 ounces (99 grams)
“Batman and Robin” This vintage lead-based piece is another favorite. Heavy (6 ounces; 175 grams), they’re fun just to toss in your hand. I have discovered it was made by Barclays —a company formed in around 1922 on Barclay Street in Hoboken, New Jersey (hence the name). They’re WWI soldiers (noted by their helmets), also known as Doughboys. These lead pieces were made in the 1930s; in 1966 they were discontinued due to their lead composition. I saw this piece listed for $110 online, but it was in better condition than mine. I would put mine at $60.
Length: 3.75 inches (9.5 centimeters)
Height: 2.5 inches (6.3 centimeters)
Width: 1.75 inches (4.4 centimeters)
Weight: 6 ounces (173 grams)
“The Doughboys” Barclays again. Lead-based and made in the 1930s. These soldiers harken back to the toy soldiers of my childhood. Mine were mostly plastic in those days (some with appendages mysteriously melted…), so when I saw these as a grown man I had to have them — they were the gold standard of toy soldiers. One is holding binoculars and the other is fusing a bomb. They’re a nice pair — estimating $40 for both ($20 each).
Bomb Fuser:
Height: 3.75 inches (9.5 centimeters)
Width: 1.25 (3 centimeters)
Weight: 2.5 ounces (71 grams)
Binocular Man
Height: 2.75 inches (7 centimeters)
Width: 2 inches (5 centimeters)
Weight: 2.5 ounces (71 grams)
“Ghost Rider” You can see that this truck used to have a driver, but somewhere along the years he abandoned his ride. Made by Dinky Toys, it is one of three of my die cast Dinky collection. Dinky originated in England in 1934 and lasted until 1971. I found this truck online listed as “#526 Muir Hill Dumper Truck.” Although theirs was listed for $71, it was in better condition (and had a driver!). I’d estimate $20 for my Ghost Rider.
Length: 4 inches (10 centimeters)
Height: 1.75 inches (4.4 centimeters)
Width: 2 inches (5 centimeters)
Weight: 7.7 ounces (216 grams)
“Army Truck” (Not a particularly special name, but it fits. At least that’s what I always called it). My second Dinky toy (#623) manufactured in the 1950s. The truck is in pretty good shape — no rust with only some paint chipping. It has nice movement — and a DRIVER, unlike my dump truck. I marvel at how long these toys endure. Nothing made today seems to have a long lifespan — at least not toys. And anything electronic is DESIGNED to break down…but I digress… This truck was always paired with the one below. They make an excellent duo.
Length: 3.5 inches (8.8 centimeters)
Height: 1.75 inches (4.4 centimeters)
Width: 1.5 inches (3.8 centimeters)
Weight: 38 ounces (107 grams)
“TANK” Although this isn’t technically a tank, I thought it looked like one. It is actually marked as “Field Artillery Tractor #688” on the bottom. Weirdly, it has only one headlight and was made that way. And the light is on the passenger side…I have always wondered why. It is the third and last of my Dinky Toy collection. This thing scoots! A light push will send it beyond your reach in seconds. My wife once came in and saw me send it sailing off the bookshelf — I had forgotten its need for speed! I found one of these in almost the exact condition online for $30. I’ll go $20.
Length: 3 inches (7.6 centimeters)
Height: 1.5 inches (3.8 centimeters)
Width: 1.5 inches (3.8 centimeters)
Weight: 28 ounces (79 grams)
“Yellow Mack” This is obviously not a mack truck — but it’s so SOLID that it just looks like a beast if it were to hit you, so that became its name. It functions beautifully. It was actually made by Solido, a French company founded in the early 1930s that made die cast toys. On the back of this truck is “No. 235 6/75.” I have discovered through research that it is actually a snow plow truck that has been sold on both Invaluable and Worthpoint. The few models I’ve seen also have different numbers on the passenger door (mine is No. 8). The pricier ones have a snow plow attached in front (mine does not). Estimated value $30.
Length: 4 inches (10 centimeters)
Height: 2 inches (5 centimeters)
Width: 1.5 inches (3.8 centimeters)
Weight: 4.9 ounces (137 grams)
“Baby Bug” This is my absolute favorite!! Not only because I had the exact car as a boy but because it is just so cool! Tinted windows, a black and white police Beetle, the “VW” emblem on the front, and it is without question the FASTEST car I have. (And why not? It’s a crime fighter!) It also has an amazing “bounce” to it — as though it has shocks or springs. If you press down on it, it lowers and then springs back up, making for a SMOOTH ride! Also, the red interior is perfect. There is just amazing, fun detail to this car. The piece was made by Corgi Toys, which were introduced in the United Kingdom in 1956 and were manufactured for 27 years in Swansea, Wales (which explains the European police car style). This style is known as the Volkswagen 1200 Saloon ( I saw one online described as “Saloon Whizzwheels”). Since it is relatively rare and in excellent condition, I’m estimating $50. This one is tough to let go. I’ll miss my Baby Bug.
Length: 3.25 inches (8 centimeters)
Height: 1 3/8 inches (3.5 centimeters)
Width: 1.5 inches (3.8 centimeters)
Weight: 2.4 ounces (67 grams)
“Big Star” A Tootsie Car toy. Tootsietoy was founded in Chicago, Illinois in around 1890, and began making die cast toys and cars around the 1920s. This army truck is actually known as an army radar truck and is in pretty good condition (I saw a couple online which no longer have the radar posts on the flatbed). It rolls perfectly and I like the fact that it says “Tootsietoy” on the wheels. I estimate this truck at about $25.
Length: 6 inches (15 centimeters)
Height: 1.75 inches (4.4 centimeters)
Width: 1.75 inches (4.4 centimeters)
Weight: 3.9 ounces (110 grams)
“The Silver Cigar” This piece was certainly not mass produced because not a single one exists online. This is both good news (one of one?) and bad news (frustrating when the history of a piece is forever lost). I don’t even know exactly what it’s made of — resin? It’s relatively weighty, at 4.2 ounces (118 grams). I do know that it is in the style of a Formula 1 Grand Prix Race Car. And it’s beautiful — such a nice movement and feel. I sometimes wondered if it was somehow handmade, but the details are too sophisticated I think for that kind of craftsmanship. At any rate, you’ll know you have the only one of it’s kind (unless some connoisseur of toy cars can enlighten us on its genesis!) I’m saying $25 — because it’s too nice to go for anything less.
Length: 5.25 inches (13 centimeters)
Height: 1.5 inches (3.8 centimeters)
Width: 2 inches (5 centimeters)
Weight: 4.2 ounces (117 grams)
“Midge” My name for this fire engine comes from its manufacturer — “Midgetoy.” Midgetoy operated from Rockford, Illinois between 1946 and 1982. It actually was a military provider — a defense based business. But after the Second World War, it began making die-cast toys. I have to admit, it’s paint has seen better days; almost totally worn away except for the front. But when I saw it, I liked it: an old-time fire truck that was still hell-on-wheels — it moves! And since it has indeed seen better days, I’m throwing it in with the lot. First of all I don’t think it would find a home on its own, and secondly, it’s part of a family; it was the first toy car I acquired as an adult. So it’s yours with the lot!
Length: 4.25 inches (10.7 centimeters)
Height: 1.25 inches (3 centimeters)
Width: 1.5 inches (3.8 centimeters)
Weight: 2.2 ounces (60 grams)
“The Taxis” These have to go together. First of all, they’re both taxis. Secondly, I’m convinced they were made by the same manufacturer, so alike are their details (especially the base on the bottom). They are unmarked, other than a license plate number on the older taxi (79295 — I always wondered the significance of that number. I even tried looking it up in my deep exploration online). But I could find no cars resembling these. And they are HEAVY! The older model weighing in at 7.2 ounces (203 grams) and 6.6 (186 grams) on the yellow car. Everyone who has ever seen my little shelf collection invariably gravitates to these two (although Baby Bug always had its share of attention too). I’m not sure of the appeal, but I’m the same way. I never visited the shelf without picking one of them (or usually both of them) up. You’ll see what I mean if you ever hold them in your hand. So I’m going to say $40 each in value. I thought they might be from the1950s, but a friend of mine who has some knowledge of old toys believes they are much older. I have no idea other than they are in excellent shape, work beautifully and would be a beautiful addition to any collector of toy cars. Or anyone who just wants to put them on a well-seen shelf and watch them work their magic on all who pass by…
Old Model Taxi
Length: 4 inches (10 centimeters)
Height: 2 inches (5 centimeters)
Width: 2 inches (5 centimeters)
Weight: 7.2 ounces (203 grams)
Yellow Taxi
Length: 4.25 inches (10.7 centimeters)
Height: 2.25 inches (5.7 centimeters)
Width: 2 inches (5 centimeters)
Weight: 6.6 ounces (186 grams)
In conclusion, I am somewhat sad having revisited my toys (and in some cases learned more than I ever knew about their origins. How fascinating!). As I said earlier, I would like to keep them together, but if one or two of the pricier ones are must-haves for a collector out there, I would be willing to consider single or double sales. Either way, I wish for them the joy and attention they no doubt received from so many small hands and big, on their journey to this point.
