1950 Wolverine, No.26a Mystery Motor Express Bus in Original Box
Beautifully lithographed red, white and blue streamlined tin bus equipped with Wolverine's patented "Mystery Motor". Pressing down on the back half of the roof generates the energy required to wind the clockwork motor. Although it's a clever way of avoiding a key wind or friction motor, it easily dents the roof, cracks the wooden wheels, and bends the sides outwards. This is why it's particularly difficult to find a pristine example like this one. The underside is open so you can see how the motor mechanism works. The toy comes complete with its difficult to find original box. It's illustrated on every side. The instructions are printed on the bottom. It carries a patent date corresponding to 1936 which was the year that Wolverine patented their Mystery Motor. The flimsy cardboard used to manufacture the box is why so few are found. Size: 14" x 4½" x 5". Sold: Feb. 2005
Price Sold: $ 202
