Saturday, March 29, 2014

A Beautiful Keystone Toy Bus

Saturday, March 29,2014
           (Cloudy and warmer)


A Beautiful Keystone Bus

   I posted about Mr. Red McHoe yesterday from VMCH on ebay and  Red's Toy Parts on his own net website. He had some very nice case iron toys for sale. He also had today's item - a beautiful toy bus that children could tide on. I was going to add this item to the cast irons, but it's  pressed steel, and I decided to post it separately. 

   The most interesting fact about the Keystone company was that it was also in the photography business.  I still remember the name from the New York Times, when they'd advertise in the Sunday newspaper. But they also manufacturers toys!



This Keystone bus is described by Red as the "Holy Grail" of Keystone toys. It's a very large riding toy, with a top that opens up to show a nice bus seat  and crossbars for support of a child while riding the toy. The toy was modelled after a Packard bus of the times, and measures a substantial 31" in length ( 787 mm). Because of its' rarity and large size, these toys are priced high in terms of old toys for sale.








What's interesting to note is that the wooden horizontal steering handle connects inside the top to a smaller sttering wheel that allows the toy to partly turn. You can see the limits of the turning radius in the underside photo below. 





What's always interesting for me is the fact that toys like this have lasted so long and still are in one piece with all of their original components  It's "harder" to find anything today that lasts for long!

That's for dropping by,
and have a great part of the day or night
wherever you may be,
Stacey.
toysearcher@gmail.com

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