When I purchased this very unusual clockwork climbing tractor I thought for sure it was manufactured by the Animate Toy Company. In fact it's nearly identical, however it was produced and sold by the Woodhaven Metal Stamping Company in Brooklyn, NY.
Apparently they either copied the design, or the two company's are related in some way. Even more important it's in near mint condition and is complete with the original box and driver.
There are several reasons for it being so unusual.
- The body and wheels are painted baked enamel; not lithographed.
- It's also not tinplate or pressed steel. I believe that it's completely made from stamped aluminum including the wheels and driver making it incredibly light, but strong.
- Instead of a typical rectangular body shape, it's more triangular.
- It has an external, rather than internal, clockwork driven motor located in back of the front left wheel.
- The gears are contained within a metal box attached to the axle and somehow to the winding mechanism.
- It's wound using an attached steel rod crank located on the back end behind the driver, not a key.
- The driver is completely chrome plated and removable. The underside of the tractor is also completely chrome plated as well. The manufacturer's name and 1916 patent date are stamped into it.
- It also has a rear hitch and slotted front radiator to add a plow or scraper. The motor is controlled using the lever located on the left side of the driver. It moves forward only.
- It uses early, very narrow 3/8" rubber treads. The ends of the tread are looped together using an aluminum clasp.
The green and white hinged lid box has a detailed illustration of the toy on the front, back and top. The toy name appears on every panel. The manufacturer's name is only on the single rear panel. Operating directions are printed on the tuck-in portion of the top flap. It indicates that this is Model "C".
Size: 9¼" long x 4¼" tall.
Sold: Mar. 2005
Price Sold: $ 295
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