Antique Runabout Toys

Sunday, April 20, 2014
    (Partly Cloudy and Warmer)

Antique Runabout Toys

   Bertoia Auctions  upcoming "Spring Break Toy Auction"  (May 9-10, 2014) is a true cornucopia of a variety of interesting and rare toys. I've written about their Trollies earlier, and today decided to return and add the antique toy runabouts. For those who don't know a "runabout" was the precursor to the automobile at the turn of the 20th century. Instead of a steering wheel it had a metal and wood handle to turn the vehicle. Also,  the "car" was more dedicated for short trips.

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The mechanical movements on all of these runabouts were made very well. What's of interest is the fact that there are 3 different ways of moving. One is windup, another is electric, and the third is steam.  

As you can plainly see, these early "cars" were not meant to travel very far, especially with no roof.

Of course, at the time of their invention, there weren't exactly too many good roads to travel on either!

Thanks for dropping by,

and as always, 

haver a great part of the day or night,

wherever you may be.

Stacey

My email address is toysearcher@gmail.com