1948-50 Doepke, No. 2001 Barber-Green High Capacity Bucket Loader in Original Box
From their "Model Toys" series comes this outstanding pressed steel No. 2001 Barber-Greene High Capacity Bucket Loader by Doepke Mfg. Co., in unused near mint+ to mint condition, complete with its original box. Bold green color throughout with black buckets and treads. Accurately rendered factory built toy with all original paint, parts, and decals. The No. 2001 was produced in three versions over a four year period. It was resurrected in 1953-56 as No. 2013. This version was 22" long, dark green and had a rubber conveyor and wheels. The toy in this auction was the version produced from 1948-50 with a fixed front chute. It has 22 individual steel buckets firmly mounted onto two rotating chains. The buckets are moved up and down using a manual crank. A third chain gears together the movement of the buckets when the crank is turned. Towards the rear of the base are twin rotating blades geared to move with the bucket chains. In front (under the conveyor) is a stationary motor housing encased within a complex girder system. Just above the motor is a steering wheel like device which adjusts the conveyor's overall height. Lastly, the rotating metal treads have locking brakes which can be raised or lowered. The pair of treads are linked together with a girder which allows them to pivot in tandem. Realism was not a problem with this toy. The box is a simple text printed cardboard with raising top flaps. Printed on the side is "1- No. 2001 Bucket Loader". The name of the original addressee is also stamped on the side. Doepke produced magnificent, accurate, high end toys for only 13 years. Quality over quantity was stressed. They were difficult to afford by most people. Size: 18" tall x 15" long x 7" wide. It weighs approximately 10 pounds not including the box. The box measures 23" x 13" x 10". Sold: Oct. 2005
Price Sold: $ 910
