HUBLEY METAL LOCKHEED P-38

Hubley was an old line toy manufacturer who made exquisite cast iron toy vehicles, similar I suppose to the Arcade line. One of the better known Hubley airplane toys was the cast iron "Red Lindy" which appeared soon after Lindbergh's flight to Paris. In the late 1940s and 50s, Hubley toys included many airplanes made of a common light alloy but reminiscent of the cast iron style. The finest of these was the Lockheed P-38, complete with retractable gear and spinnable props - this toy is a nice representation of the P-38. The multiple parts are screwed together. Many color schemes were sold, including several combinations of silver and red along with camo schemes. The model offered here is original in excellent condition. And, unlike modern toys, this beauty was made in the U.S.A. (ah! The good old times.) No box.

This Hubley all-metal Lockheed P-38 is priced at $185.00 SORRY SOLD, proving that 50 year-old vintage toys aren't necessarily expensive.

HUBLEY ALL-METAL P-40

The Hubley "Flying Circus" P-40s (#761)are a companion to the P-38. These "decoratively" painted P-40s were U.S. made in Lancaster, PA in the 1960s. The toys were made with both a three-blade and a two-bladed prop (rarer) - they must have run out of the 3-blade! One of each is shown here, and each is priced at $85.00. No box. There are some paint scrapes and chips but the models are complete; the wingspan is 8.25 inches. I've seen some of these painted by hobbyists into "Flying Tiger" schemes and they looked quite authentic. The gear does not retract as on the P-38.

The Hubley P-40 is patterned after the P-40E version.

FIRE CHIEF TIN JAGUAR

Isn't that a mean machine? A Made-in-China, tin, battery operated Fire Chief's vehicle complete with head light and siren - it goes! Probably from around the 1960's, this delightful fire-red tin car is obviously patterned after the Jaguar E-Type coupe. A large 10 1/2 inches long, this toy is in mint condition along with it's original box complete with inserts. The box is marked with "ME267" but no manufacturer's name (that I can read).

Tin has been preferred for toys for centuries, even after plastics came into use. The tin accepts brightly colored lithographic printing unlike plastic, and is formed after graphics are applied. This exciting Fire Chief toy can be yours for $275.00 including box.

MERCEDES BENZ PROMOTIONAL SET by WIKING

A boxed promotional set of Wiking vehicles for Mercedes Benz. The set consists of nine vehicles in the standard Wiking HO size of 1:87 scale. Each Mercedes vehicle is molded in detailed plastic including the underside. Wiking has a long history, with it's first plastic models appearing as aircraft in 1:200 scale in the late 1930's; these models were used by the German Luftwaffe for recognition training during WWII. Examples of Wiking recognition models can be seen on the Friend or Foe? Museum Page on this website.

The original box is included; the foam insert has been removed because of deterioration. The vintage of this beautiful Mercedes set is left up to you Mercedes fans, but the car below is the featured vehicle, an orange C111.

The compact wedge in bright orange, a shade internally called weissherbst, expressed power, elegance and speed. C 111 was the designation of the futuristic study displayed by Mercedes-Benz in September 1969 at the Frankfurt International Motor Show (IAA). The car broke new ground in terms of both engineering and design. The Mercedes C 111 was to serve as a research car for testing Wankel engines, new suspension components for wider tires through to racing tires and plastic bodywork components. In addition, the C 111 was used to improve the aerodynamic efficiency of sporty road-going cars. So, as a pure guess, I'll judge this set to be from around 1969. Details of some other vehicles of the set are shown below.

Other Mercedes sedans include the 200 and 280. The price of this outstanding promotional set is $300.00.

TOOTSIETOY PASSENGER LINER

The ocean liner pictured above is in excellent condition with minor paint scrapes along the edges. This ship measures 5 15/16" in length and the following is cast in the bottom: "TOOTSIETOY - MADE IN UNITED STATES OF AMERICA". This particular version with "Made in United states of America" instead of "Made in USA", is from a brief period 1941-1943. Price for this toy metal ship is $50.00 SORRY SOLD.

TEKNO DENMARK - FORTRESS 401

This die-cast metal Tekno B-17 Fortress is from their "Flyvende Fæstning" series. This example, made in Denmark, is complete with propellers and landing gear intact. The silver paint is chipped and worn off in spots; the insignia shows signs of wear but is original. A nice, unrestored example (no box) of this early die-cast Fortress by Tekno Denmark. The wingspan is 5 5/8 inches. Some examples of this toy have red wings with either U.S. insignia, British roundals or Dutch "DY-DDL" and others in an O.D. scheme. A superb boxed set exists which has three airplanes, two in British markings: the B-17 (red wings and what appears to be a Beaufort (or similar), and a SBD in U.S. insignia. This B-17 shown is priced at SORRY SOLD.

VICTORY TOYS B-17

This "Victory Toys" Fortress III Boeing B-17 is a diminutive toy B-17 which has a wingspan of 5 3/16 inches. The model's material is some sort of composite or plastic, perhaps bakelite, but I'm not certain; it's painted silver and has metal propellers. It probably is supposed to represent a B-17G. This toy has a tail marking of "1" - markings up to "5" have been identified. This toy B-17 appears in a number of collections of miniature airplanes but no one has identified the actual source (manufacturer) of the model. It is commonly assumed that it is European in origin (note the box), perhaps the Netherlands, and that the date of manufacture is probably around the end of WWII. The box has the following price written on one end: "Fliegmochien 9 fr.".

There are no manufacturer's marks, or other marking, on the toy. There are slight edge chips in the paint but the model is considered to be mint as sold. The mold for this B-17 appears to be unique in that it does not appear to be a knock-off of some other toy of that era, such as the Tekno B-17 or Wiking. A nice box. I obtained this toy in 1978 from the Netherlands in a trade for some Matchbox items so I know the source was European (note price marking). An unusual WWII toy that is uncommon, perhaps rare. Own this boxed toy B-17 for $100.00.

PLASTICVILLE JET FIGHTERS

Here are two plastic USAF jet fighters, with landing gear intact, from the Plasticville line. The smaller (F-101?) has a wingspan of 3 1/4" and the Lockheed has a 4 1/16" span. Two fighters from the 1950s and 60s to add to your plastic air force. Each $10.00.

JU 52 IRON ANNIE TOY

This toy Junkers Ju 52 has a wingspan of 11.3 cm. There are no markings on the model and it is in pristine condition. The source is unknown; however, the toy has a definite European flavor. It does not appear to be a knock-off of any other toy or model and has an unobtrusive mold mark on the fuselage side which would be expected on a die-cast toy. The finish paint is great. A mystery toy with no known ancestry - yours for $45.00.

AERO MINI DIE-CAST MODELS - JAPAN

Background: Robert Metchick began producing toy airliners in the mid-1960s with the first, a Boeing 707, appearing in 1969. Aero Minis, Inc. was incorporated in New York in 1968 and headed by Robert Metchick; the name was changed to Aero Mini Inc. in 1969 and the firm based in Farmingdale, NY. Aero Mini models were all produced in Japan through 1974 at which point production was moved to Wyoming, New York. American production was not successful and the company entered bankruptcy and ceased operations in early 1976. The line of quality die-cast models has gained wide appeal with modern collectors. Although sold as toys, the Aero Mini models were some of the earliest model aircraft collectible models. Aero Minis are constructed of diecast zinc metal. Features include decaled logos and other detail areas over a painted fuselage, and most interestingly, retractable landing gear which is scale in appearance. Collectors who pursue Aero Minis appreciate them for their nostalgia and rarity. Today, the original Japanese-produced models are considered antiques. Furthermore, Aero Minis were considered very advanced for their time having been cast from precisely engineered moulds to 0.0005 in. and without access to all of the computer graphics and techniques available today. Factory drawings were used to ensure accuracy of the configurations.

These models produced through 1976 are not to be confused with the second generation of this line. The salvaged assets of Aero Mini Inc. were purchased by Vernon Peckham, a banker, and the new company, based in Scottsdale, AZ, carries the contracted name Aeromini Inc. This company is currently manufacturing games, toys and children's vehicles. Airliners manufactured by Aeromini do not carry the cachet and collectiblility of the original Aero Mini line. This can be confusing when confronted with listings.

Although precise in configuration and elegantly marked, the Aero Mini models were sold thirty+ years ago to be played with as toys - not sit-on-a-shelf and look-at-only collectibles. The Aero Mini line to 1976 consisted of these types (most in many liveries): A6M5 Zero (don't forget, these were made in Japan), Boeing 707, 727, 737, 747, C-135, Douglas DC-8, DC-9, Lockheed F-104J, McDonnell F-4E Phantom, and a Super VC-10.

The Boeing 707 was made in 1:239 scale. The Pan American version, Model number 7001, was the first of the line. This model, shown below, has "Clipper America" on the cabin and is N707PA. It has a 7-inch wingspan and "Aero Mini", the "AM"logo, and "Japan" are cast into the bottom of the fuselage. The model is in excellent condition and has no box. The price of this Aero Mini collectible is $195.00.

The Northwest Orient Boeing 707 is pictured on "approach" below. N35109, Model number 7003, is also in 1:239 scale and is in excellent condition with the exception of about 1/32" of line decal missing off the forward cabin door. A very handsome model priced at $195.00.

The Aero Mini Japan Air Lines Boeing 747 is an extremely rare toy (because most stayed in Japan maybe?). The 747 is in 1:290 scale, carries registration number "JA8100", and has a wingspan of 8 1/4". This model is in excellent condition and comes with the original Aero Mini box for Model number 7404; the box has the original two-piece, formed styrofoam insert. In addition, the optional Aero Mini stand is also included, as pictured below. This rare J.A.L. B747 is priced at $495.00.

A copy of The Plane News 2-page listing, "The Complete Listing of Aero Mini Aircraft", from the October 1990 issue number 7 of The Plane News will be provided with each model.

DIE-CAST AIRPLANES IN THE BOX

Here are two die-cast toys that are "as new" in the box. Neither quite fits the goal of the CollectAir gallery so my Chief Financial Officer (guess who?!) says, "Move them out!"

I was a Texaco aviation fuel dealer and sold the ERTL Wings of Texaco "banks" (they're banks to avoid import duties I believe) series. This 1932 Northrop Gamma was the second model in the long series; a very nice toy representing the Gamma that was created for Frank Hawks. Powered by a Wright Cyclone 14-cylinder engine, Hawks set a non-stop, LA to NY record of 13 hours 27 minutes with this airplane. I paid $16 for this Gamma and you can have it for my cost, $16.00 SORRY SOLD - WILL LIST ANOTHER OF SERIES.

The Beriev MBR-2 "Hydroaeroplane" toy was made in the old USSR as part of a "1941-1945 Series" in 1:72 scale. The MBR-2 first flew in May of 1932 and was built up to 1940 in many different versions at Zavod No. 31 (OKB MS) headed by G.M. Beriev. This Russian toy airplane was manufactured prior to the collapse of the Soviet Union. The airplane is boxed as new and is sale priced at only $25.00.

SCHABAK 1:250 DC-3



German Schabak DC-3 in 1:250 scale, metal. the box is marked 1028/86 - may be mismarked. A U.S. Air Force version, boxed. Price is only $12.00. Also have a Swissair DC-3 boxed, HB-IRA, 1028/4 at the same price. Shuco has recently bought out Schabak.

TIN HELICOPTER 3003

A nifty item for helicopter buffs - a battery-operated Japanese tin toy helicopter that runs and lights up. The "Helicopter 3003" was made by Hadson, probably in the 1955-1965 period. The U.S. Army helicopter is marked "S-56" for some reason. It's a nice representation of the Sikorsky H-19, the Sikorsky model S-55 - where did the "S-56" come from? (the S-56 was actually the Army's H-37). This tin toy is in perfect condition with a nice display box that rates about an "8" with taped lid corners but nice graphics. The rotor blades fold. The rotor diameter is 13" and the length, nose to tail rotor, is 13". A terrific example of the Japanese tin toy art that you can own for SORRY SOLD.

JAGUAR XKE RADIO

A scale Jaguar XKE Coupe, vintage around 1965 or before, containing an A.M. radio. The front wheels are the volume, on-off and tuning; uses a 9-volt battery. The large XKE is 8 3/8" in length. Have two for sale. Boxed with the original styrofoam insert is priced at $95.00. The Coupe with no box is priced at $75.00. A truly unusual piece for the Jaguar buff. The car is made of plastic and is in excellent condition - the bottom is marked "JAPAN". Should this be classified as a toy? Not really, but it's the closest category that I have.

FIAT 850 COUPE & SHIFT KNOB

An outstanding selection for Fiat fans. Remember when die-cast toys weren't made in China? Here's a "Made in Italy," Politoys - M, Fiat 850 Coupe in 1/43 scale, complete with opening doors and hood. This is Politoys Item No. 517. Also included is an original walnut shift knob with the Fiat name - from the 1960s. A terrific collectible combination for your Fiat shelf. The price of this duo is only $AUTO SOLD BUT SHIFT KNOB AVAILABLE FOR $10 PP.

LIDO MINIATURE PLASTIC AIRPLANES

Miniature plastic toy airplanes, with wingspans of around two-inches, were made by Irwin around 1940; these original Irwin toys were each of uniform colored plastic, had slight detail on top and the bottom was flat with the exception of two landing gear "bumps." The toys came in sets on cards marked with slogans such as "Victory Squadron." The line became part of the Lido Toy Company at some point and the plastic changed to a marbled type; the molds were similar to the Irwin but the detail was changed from embossed to depressed. Five of the Lido mini-planes are offered as a set. Though the card is not for sale, an example of a Lido card set of three, "America in the Air," is shown below.

The three aircraft on the above card, the B-17, T-6 (?), and P-38, are in the set being offered, along with a Ventura (?) and, my favorite, the Bell XFM-1 Aircuda, all pictured below.

These toys are from the 1940s. The five aircraft are priced at $SORRY SOLD$ for the group.

Tri-ang MINIC SHIPS M893 and M892

A little history to put Minic and Tri-ang in perspective as the geneology of these British lines is somewhat convoluted. The Lines Bros. company was formed in 1919 by three brothers; since three lines make a triangle, the Tri-ang name was adopted as a trademark. Most collectors are familiar with the FROG line of ready-to-fly airplanes which were made by International Model Aircraft Ltd. (IMA); this 1931 company, IMA, was taken over in 1932 by Lines Bros. (Tri-ang) and continued in business as IMA (FROG). Tri-ang took over Rovex Plastics Ltd. following WW2. The Lines Bros. company, or the Tri-ang Group, consisted of the following divisions by 1966: IMA became associated with Rovex Scale Models Ltd, which becam Rovex Industries., makers of Tri-ang Railways; Minic Ltd. at Canterbury, makers of Minic Motorways; Minimodels Ltd at Havant, makers of Scalextric Model Raceways, and Spot-On Models Ltd at Belfast, makers of die-cast vehicles. In 1969/70, the group name was changed to Rovex Tri-ang Ltd. The company went into liquidation in 1971, the end of Tri-ang.

Minic Ships was a range of 1:1200 scale, die-cast ships which was launched by Tri-ang in 1959 involving transatlantic liners, Royal Navy ships, harbour parts and other accessories including a Statue of Liberty. Production of the original series ended about 1965. A new series of Minic ships was released in the early 1970s, with some additional castings. However, these new models were made in Hong Kong and the appealing cachet of British production was missing. No longer Tri-ang by then, the ships were advertised as being die-cast by Hornby and "Made in Hong Kong for Rovex Limited, Margate, England." The Hornby connection harks back to Frank Hornby (1863 - 1936) , possibly the 'father' of the British toy industry with his invention of the Meccano construction system. The system started life as a toy crane produced for his sons, which he developed into a constructional toy, patented in 1901 as 'Mechanics made easy'. Meccano Ltd was formed in 1908, moving to the famous factory at Binns Road, Liverpool in 1914. In the 1930s Meccano produced its Constructional Cars, impressive looking clockwork sports cars. The company also produced O gauge Hornby Trains (from 1920), Modelled Miniatures (later Dinky Toys) in the 1930s, and Hornby Dublo (1938). Meccano bought the building system Bayko in 1960, but competition from the then new Lego proved too much. Competition also came from Tri-ang and their two-rail OO gauge model railway system. Lines Bros bought Meccano in 1964, thusly the Hornby brand name.

The 1960 Tri-ang Minic Ship catalog is shown below with the cover and the M893 Royal Navy Carrier Task Group Presentation Set page.

Ships in this set are H.M.S. Albion (Z), H.M.S. Vigilant, H.M.S. Swiftsure and the H.M.S. Repton.

This original boxed set of Tri-ang Minic ships is over 40-years old and is in excellent condition. "Built in Britain by Minic Limited." The price of this collector's 1:1200 ship set is SORRY SOLD.

Tri-ang PRESENTATION SET M892 - S.S. UNITED STATES

This British made Presentation Set featuring the 1:1200 scale S.S. America is from around 1960 and is priced at SORRY SOLD. The set is complete and in excellent condition. Note that the string tie has been undone on the ship but may be retied. The photo above is the actual box lid.

MARKLIN JU 52/3m REPLICA

A replica, by definition, is produced by the maker of the original item and is not clearly distinguishable from the original. This replica of the 1930s Marklin Ju 52/3 m is an excellent example; it is not a "copy.". This beautifully detailed, all-metal tin model construction "toy" has all the appearance of a continuation of the original Marklin production, as if there was no break in the line. Marklin offered this replica in 1996/97 and limited production to the number ordered. A large toy with a 22-inch wingspan. Wind-up propellers and movable control surfaces and finely finished. The Ju 52/3m comes with a German language booklet, cover shown below, and a certificate of authenticity, also shown below and also in German. Priced at about a third of the pre-war examples. Complete with all papers and original box; the airplane is in pristine, as-new condition. A truly delightful airplane toy; imagine giving this to a youngster for his sandbox play! Yet, this tin airplane, in the pre-war period, was sold as a toy, not a desirable collectible; lucky kids that got this beauty for their birthday!

The advertisement, shown below, appeared in the Plane News magazine in early 1997; note that the price in the ad is the same as the price of the model being offered here.

Pictures of the toy being offered are presented below.

This delightful and scarce German toy replica by Marklin is priced at $1050.00 SORRY SOLD.

STEVE CANYON BOARD GAME - 1959

The Milton Caniff comic series of "Terry and the Pirates" and the wartime "Male Call" are famous for their loyal followers and their excellent drawing. In early 1947, Caniff abandoned his previous strips and created "Steve Canyon", a strip about an air-transport pilot seeking adventure, for the Chicago Sun-Times. "Steve Canyon" was an immediate success but perhaps never reached the pattern set by "Terry". "Steve Canyon" then ran for 41 years and died with the artist in 1988. The final strip, on June 4th, was a two-panel tribute, signed by 78 cartoonists. Enjoying the highest regard of his peers, Caniff won the first Cartoonist of the Year trophy awarded by the National Cartoonists Society in 1946 and received the Reuben award in 1971.

Caniff's work has been described as follows: The impact Milton Caniff had on comics cannot be overestimated; he was the first cartoonist who brought realism, suspense and sensuality into comics and he inspired many artists with his beautiful drawings, earning him his nickname, 'the Rembrandt of the comic strip'. An example of his strip from 1959 is shown below.

This board game was published in 1959 by the Lowell Toy Mfg. Co. and received the 1959 "Prestige Toy" award. There was a Steve Canyon TV show in the 1958-1959 period and also on radio in 1948. The box lid, shown below, is about an "8+", with no structural problems, minimal shelf wear and some fading.

The board game is "as new", with bright colors, The cards and pieces have never been removed and separated. The instrument panels are pristine as are the F-105 game pieces. The game board is in perfect condition; the "Steve Canyon" logo on the board back heads this listing.

The instructions start off with: "1. OBJECT OF THE GAME. The object of the game is to be the first pilot to fly his jet on a successful mission from Peterson Field to any of three Air Force bases." Each player has an instrument panel and draws "Weather Cards" and "Storm Hazard Cards" as part of the game.

This entertaining board game from 1959, featuring the Milton Caniff character of Steve Canyon and the U.S. Air Force, is available for $150.00.

TOOTSIETOY SUPER MAINLINER DC-4

A Tootsietoy rendition of the "first" four-engine, one-off, triple-tail Douglas DC-4E which I understand was sold to Japan prior to our entry into WWII and eventually crashed into Tokyo Bay.

This die-cast metal model is structurally sound and complete with the exception of one missing prop blade which is detailed below. With a wingspan of 13.2mm, this airplane just cries for someone to strip and repaint, but I don't have the heart to do it. You can own United NC20100, a "Super Mainliner Another Tootsietoy, Made in U.S.A." for only $65.00. Start your own airline today.

STAR YACHT ENDEAVOUR II

A child's pond yacht made in Birkenhead, England in the 1970s. This yacht is 16" overall length and is 20" in height. The "Endeavour II" is "Guaranteed to Sail," the logo of the Star Yacht Company. Played with, but in excellent condition, you can own a British yacht (with very little upkeep) for only $19.50.