Monday, May 27, 2012
Memorial Day Holiday
in the USA
Memorial Day Holiday
in the USA
The Beautiful Tootsietoy Lasalle
There are some "real" cars that stand the test of time. If you look at old car photos, there are plenty of cars that long since have disappeared from production, and went out of business. Yet they are still around for collectors, and people to view. ANd of you can;t see one up close and real, there is always the Internet.
For me, the idea of people collecting things, is that they keep a memory of history. I enjoy museums where I can look at old items that no longer are made or are from 1000's of years ago. I also went to the Smithsonian in Washington D.C., USA, and their entire set of 6-7 different museums (Americana, Airplanes and Aviation, Art are just unbelievable. Collectors and museums help keep old things alive for people to see.
The Tootsietoy Grahams are certainly a set of toys that maintain their aura and mystique. The Tootsietoy LaSalles are even more in demand, and also have that desire for collectors to own them.
I mostly buy on E-Bay, and I think this summer I'll venture out to see what the real marketplaces and antique fairs in Vermont and New York have to offer. In Canada, especially in Quebec, and to a lesser extent in Ontario, American toys are hard to find.
This Tootsietoy LaSalle is the second one that I will have owned for a short period of time. It measures 4 1/8" (L) x 1 1/2" (W) x 1 1/2" (H) or in metric 105mm x 38mm x 38mm. The Lasalle Tootsietoy is similar to the Graham Tootsietoy. They're both "Build-A-Car" or take apart cars. The main difference is that the LaSalle are scarcer,and the rear bumper can be replace if broken. Both models also have the replaceable front bumper that can be purchased from Thomas Antique Toy Parts and Classic Tin Toys.
A Tootsietoy Graham Sedan
ATHose 5 circular air vents on the side of the hood are a
unique characteristic of the LaSalles.
The underside view of the LaSalle.
Removing the tires,axles,and rims allows you to dismantle (take apart) the car.
The underneath carriage can be changed with another top part of a different LaSalle Model.
If you follow this blog, you'll have noticed that yesterday and today's photography is on a white material (background). I was inspired by an E-Bay seller who is working on an instalment to be a "guest" on my blog.
His name is Ray Ross and he has several sites through which he writes about old toys and sells
also.
Tonkatoys.com
Metaltoymuseum.com
Ibuyoldtrains.com
His photography on E-Bay is like my above, but better.
I'll need to work on my style!
This style is called "high key". That simply means that I'm using white background, and trying to keep shadows to a minimum. In this way one focusses on the subject rather than the lighting or the foundation (the surface that the item sits on).
That's it for today.
It's already 2:00 P.M. my time and already the day has sped away. I usually get up at 5:00 or 6:00 A.M. because I like the tranquility of the mornings.
So thanks for dropping by, and have a great day or evening wherever you may be.
Stacey Bindman
Hello,
ReplyDeleteIf I may comment:
"The Lasalle Tootsietoy is similar to the Graham Tootsietoy. They're both "Build-A-Car" or take apart cars."
Not at all. Only ONE gift set of the Graham-Paige models has the "Bild-a-Car" feature, meaning that the set is in fact a kit, with bodies and chassis packed separately. The wheels are assembled with half axles and pressure sleeves. This set, issued in 1934, always contained Graham coupes, sedans and a roadster with no spare tires on either their back or sides.
The roadster body was replaced by that of a van in 1937. ALL OTHER Grahams have solid axles crimped on their right side and cannot be taken apart without damaging that axle.
"Both models also have the replaceable front bumper that can be purchased from Thomas Antique Toy Parts and Classic Tin Toys."
All the Grahams had their grille riveted on their body, while those of the LaSalle models were held by tabs. The whole idea of a replacement part on such toys is truly unacceptable to any serious collector, as well as accepting repainted models as good enough, regardless of how good the job is done. This especially when the prices of near-pristine original toys appear to be so affordable compared to that of those so-called "restored" toys.
To visualize what these toys truly look like and a correct history about them, may I suggest that you inspect this very informative website:
http://www.tsrfcars.com/toys-tootsietoys_portal.htm
Regards,
Jack
Hello Jack,
ReplyDeleteAlways a pleasure to have someone read my blog.
Also, it's great to have someone who has a great knowledge of old toys.
Thanks for the information.
I've been meaning to have my next post talk about books and resources, but I keep procrastinating.
I've sold most of my inventory due to the slow summer period, but haven;t purchased any new ones to continues with my blog.
I'm always open to "guests" who would like to write an instalment and provide photos.
It's not hard, so if you're ever interested in some free PR, just drop me a line.
I provide credits for all photos, and will list your website, e-Bay store name, or any other site that you may have.
Thanks again,
Stacey