c.1946 Hubley, Kiddie Toy Hook & Ladder Truck in Original Box
Outstanding example from Hubley's early post-war Kiddie Toy series; No.454 Hook and Ladder Truck. Scarce cross-over combination of die cast metal truck with solid white rubber "balloon-type" tires. The tires are usually found on pre-war cast iron toys. It typically has narrow black rubber tires. When you first look at it the truck appears to be cast iron! Comes from the awesome Donald Kaufman collection which explains its rarity. Collected by Mr. Kaufman as unsold store stock; never played with. Graded near mint by Bertoia Auctions it comes complete with both original ladders, original box, original tissue paper for the ladders, and its original Bertoia auction hang tag. Gorgeous deep red Hook and Ladder Fire Truck has silver painted highlight which include the front bumper, headlights, windshield frame/dashboard, and "the silver thing in the center of the truck". The driver is painted a light navy blue. Both the truck and driver are die cast. The ladders are heavy gauge, nickel plated tin. Original colorful box printed with side view of the truck in a sort of late art-deco style. The Kiddie Toy name is spelled out in lower case block letters. It has all 6 original endflaps. The original ladder wrapping tissue remains in the position it was folded at the factory. Looks like the ladders were removed for the first time for the auction. Size: 7¼" long (not including ladders), 8¾" with ladders. Sold: May 2011
Price Sold: $ 432
