1949 Kelo (UK), "Super Fire Engine" in Original Box
From the Donald Kaufman collection (founder KB Toys); scarce never played with "Super Fire Engine with Ringing Bell" manufactured by Kelo (Keith Lowe) of Dudley (UK). Complete with original box. Toy is all embossed pressed steel not tinplate and is nearly identical to Marx (Marx' UK manufacturing was also located in Dudley). Brilliant cherry red streamlined body with enclosed wheel wells, rear step, bell frame, and embossed doors. The front hood has a single piece polished tinplate grille assembly (grille, headlights, and bumper) and separate hood divider. Features swivel-rotating polychrome bronze ladder with extension, brass finished emergency roof bell, and non-removable white rubber hose. Most distinctive of all are its polished mirror-finish tinplate balloon tires. The original pull cord was still factory wound around the body (I unwound it to take the photos). Also features a large nickel plated bell underneath the chassis which is struck every time the articulated rear axle makes a complete rotation. Beautifully illustrated box features colorful graphics of Fire Engine with men rushing to the scene of a burning building. This is repeated on the front and rear panels, minus the building. Instead, the truck is surrounded in yellow and red flames. Comes with Kaufman hang-tag from Bertoia Auctions (graded as "pristine"). Kelo was a lesser known British manufacturer of tubular steel toys; primarily rocking horses, pogo sticks, and sewing machines. No other references to their producing another pressed steel vehicle were found. They operated independently for only one year before being purchased by Wells-Brimtoy. Size: 9½". Sold: Nov. 2010
Price Sold: $ 203
