Large or Small Opamerica will Sell 'Em All

Sunday, November 3, 2013

Large or Small

Opamerica Will Sell 'Em All

   One of the fine E-Bay stores that I have the pleasure to work with is Opamerica. They sell many fine toys, of all sorts,shapes, sizes, countries, and dollar value.They also sell other collectibles, as well. For today, I thought I'd present an example of just what I wrote. Today's presentation is of a big variation as I mentioned, but both are 2 of my favourite toy companies - big and small. Both companies at one time were very successful American manufactures of exceptional toys.The Tootsietoy toys as their name infers are small die cast toys, while Hubley started out as a cast iron company, and by the time of its closure, was making plastic toys, and pressed steel.

Please click here to visit this exceptional ebay store

   I'm been fortunate to have flown in a seaplane.My father took my brother Michael and myself fishing for trout in more-remote fishing spots, and you had to take a seaplane to get there. I also once went by myself (with a pilot) to a fishing spot a seaplane,but the fishing was poor,and not many fish!  If you read about the history of Canada from the 1920's-1960's, the seaplane is what helped expand the exploration of mining in Canada.  Many older seaplanes are still flying, some even after 50 years.  Although these 2 nice Tootsietoys are  not 100% intact,they still make fine collectibles.The blue seaplane can have it's propeller replaced by several companies that carry parts for these fine toys.

"I am pleased to offer this Antique Hubley Lockheed Sirius Cast Iron Plane.  Following the famous flights of Charles Lindbergh and his wife, Hubley manufactured one of their rarest and most valuable toys in commemoration: the Lockheed Sirius.  Designed by Chief engineer Gerard Vultree, the Lockheed 8 Sirius was based off of Charles's specifications.  Around 3 feet shorter than the Spirit of St. Louis (the plane Lindberg used for his NY-Paris flight),  the Sirius could travel at 185 mph, 52 mph faster than the St. Louis. 

This particular piece features a two-tone black/orange paint job, with "Lindy" embossed on the left wing; "NR-211" embossed on the right wing, as well as "NR-211 Lockheed Sirius" embossed on both sides of the tail.  The front engine is nickel plated with a small attachment for a pull rope, which is not present.  All Parts, wing sections, tires, and pilots are present, making this plane complete minus the original pull rope.

This rare plane is in good condition for its age, showing moderate paint wear and mild oxidation from age/display.  Paint is at about 80%, with the majority of loss being on the wings edges and the underside.  Original tires are present, but they have hardened and are cracked (see pictures).  Propeller moves well.  Remnants of a Hubley decal can be seen on the tail wing.

Measures about 9" L x 10-1/2" W x 4-1/4" H

I chose to present the written description by Opamerica because it was so well written and  narrated. Sometimes, I find it best to let the storyteller tell his/her story, rather than rewrite it. And of course, both the Hubley Sirius NR-211 and Lindburgh are epic!

Thanks for dropping by,

and have a great part of the day or night,

wherever you may be.

Write to me anytime at:

toysearcher@gmail.com