"Is It or Isn't It-That Is the Question?"

April 15, 2011


My question today is "is it or isn't it- that is the question (with forgiveness from Mr. Shakespeare).

I purchased 2 small cast iron toys lately that have had lots of questions about their authenticity. Are they real or are they reproductions. So in line with that, I decided to write today's entry just about that. Please however, do not take this information as the absolute truth, as I've only been in toys for about 7 months.

                                                                                                  Photo Courtesy Mr. Joseph Desaulniers

The above 2 small authentic toys are "real"

Hubley Brewster Ford toys.

Joseph was the first one to raise a red flag when I posted my recently-acquired "vintage" toys". If you look at his 2 beautiful toys ( I hope to have more photos to add) you'll see 4 characteristics that corroborate  the authenticity of these old toys.

1. The front grills are nickel-plated

2. The back spare tire is riveted to the chassis

3. The tires are rubber

4. The hubs are wood

Now lets' have a look at my "reproductions"

My toy looks like Joe's.

However!

1. My front grills appear to be painted as there is chipping like the rest of the red car parts.

2. The back spare tire is screwed into the chassis.

3. The tires are metal because a magnet sticks to them.

4. The hubs are metal because a magnet sticks to them.

The above small limo is also a "reproduction"

Now there's 1 more characteristic that also authenticates the "real McCoy".

What it is, is the ability to disassemble the toy, which the "reproductions" do not do.

I'm sure you can figure out how the car is disassembled and reassembled.

The trick is to get the tire on the back of the 1 piece nickel-plated chassis.

From what I've read, the solution is to wet the tire in warm water.

That makes the tire slippery and softer in order to fit over the "hub" or rear part of the single-pieced nickel chassis.

                                                                                                                                                  Photo Courtesy Mr. Joseph Desaulniers

                                                                                                                                                 Photo Courtesy Mr. Joseph Desaulniers

                                                                                                                                                Photo Courtesy Mr. Joseph Desaulniers

And below, 1 more fine example of an "authentic" Hubley Cast Iron car.

                                                                 Photo Courtesy Mr. Joseph Desaulniers

So what's the conclusion? 

If you're buying on E-Bay, always ask whatever questions you have to.

1. Is this an authentic "Hubley" or "Arcade", or "Williams"? 

2. Are those wood hubs and rubber tires?

3. Is the front bumper nickel-plated?

4. Can the item be disassembled and reassembled?

Also, read the description. If a dealer is trusted or knows his/her merchandise, they will label it with the manufacturers's name and will describe is with characteristics that form the above make the real item "real".

If you're unsure, try and find someone who can help you. Of course, if you like the reproduction and the price is right, then buy it!

Don't forget that you can double-click on any photo to get it magnified, and see the lovely detail in any of the photos.