c.1949 Biller, No.100 Trans World Flyer in Original Box
Outstanding example of Biller's clockwork tin litho "Trans World Flyer" in incredible excellent+ to near mint condition. The fact that it's complete with all parts including the folding world map and the correct Biller key would make it tough to beat. However, it's rarely found in working condition, but here's where everything works! The toy, which is fairly complex, is rarely found working for three reasons. 1) It has one clockwork motor inside the terminal. Its wound directly using the separate key and controls the rotation of the terminal in the center. 2) It has a second clockwork motor inside the airplane. It uses a key attached to the tip of the left wing. This controls propeller spin. The two motors operate independently. Each has their own stop/start switch. 3) The red remote control unit has two levers (functions). One stops and starts rotation of the terminal. The second controls altitude. Any one of these functions can easily break or be over wound and the guide wires holding the plane must never be bent.. The remote control wire can snap if you raise or lower it too quickly. This function is identical to remote control steering wheels on many Japanese tin toy cars (when was the last time you saw one of those working). Basically you're the pilot. Switch the lever on the control panel to stop. Switch the lever on top of the plane fuselage to stop. Wind up both motors with its initial position lowered onto the START runway. Switch the airplane lever to go. Switch the remote control lever to go. It'll "take off". Rotation speed and propeller spin gradually diminishes as the motors run down. You control the altitude and can raise or lower the plane at any time and anywhere on the map. The idea is to land on the runway with rotation and propellers completely run down. Here's a couple of "firsts" for me. It grades as the best I've seen. It's the first example I've seen that was complete. It's the first example of the world map I've seen. I've never seen it before with the correct original nickel plated cast iron key. And it's the first time I've ever seen all of the functions working flawlessly. Keep in mind that it's almost 70 years old. It'll make a rotation or two, but it's not going to be like a battery operated toy and run continuously. This is why it's frequently and easily over wound. The box cover was colorfully illustrated with an exaggerated size world map. A boy wearing a pilot's cap controls the plane while a little girl watches. The front and back panels show two possible exotic "destinations". It still has its original price sticker from F.A.O. Schwartz on one end along with the company trademark and catalog number. Size: Central terminal 5½" x 6" x 3½". The plane extends out approximately 12" (not including the red and white center). Plane 5" fuselage. Wingspan 5¾". Remote control wire length 12". Map approximately 23" square.
Price Sold: $ 395
