1938 Lionel, No. 442 Unused Pre-War Diner in Original Box

1938 Lionel, No. 442 Unused Pre-War Diner in Original Box

Here's an example of a somewhat common toy that I've been looking for in unused high grade condition for a very long time. It's Lionel's early pre-war version of their No. 442 tin litho electrically lit Diner. It accurately epitomizes the All-American Diner of the 1930's.

Although it's not not a difficult toy to find, high grade unused examples are just about non-existent. It was very popular when it first was available. As a result most have been well used over the years. This is the first and only example I've seen that was never played with.

Size: O Scale

Condition:

Grading a composite toy like this includes not only the condition of the tin litho, but also the 16 celluloid windows, wiring, press board base and steps, lighting, bushes and shrubs, lawn, and the original label. The same applies to the box which also turns up on occasion. Overall shape, condition of the fabric tape, printed text, condition of the Lionel sealing tape, and completeness are all essential.

In both instances, toy and box, I've never seen another grade higher. The auction house I purchased it from graded it mint in box. I'll be a little more critical. 

The total number of condition issues are five... total. Here they are; two pinpoint size nicks on the reverse side, one tiny nick on the left side, a partial crescent shape of edge wear on the embossed roof "button" on the right, and a narrow tiny spot of corner wear on the rear left base. That's it!! Every window is perfect. The edge of all four die cut door openings are perfect. The wiring doesn't have a single crack and has never even been unfurled since the day it left the factory. There's isn't any edge wear, no rubs, no scratches, no dings, dents, or anything else. The roof has never been removed from the base. Even the release screw on the roof has never been turned. And yes, the original bulb is still in place! Bushes and shrubs are not only intact, but exactly in the position they were in when first produced 77 years ago. The label on the underside is complete with only age darkening. The pressed board steps and base have perfect structure and all of its original paint.

As far as the box there's not much to say. It's perfect! No tears, creases, or even wear. Nothing! Yes it's darkened from age which would have been preventable if had been kept in a vacuum.

And no, I did not try to light the interior bulb. I was able to see that it's still securely in place and that was good enough for me.

 

Coming To Auction April, 2020: Milestone Auction

 

Price: $600



 

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