A Fine Hubley Cast Iron Airplane

Saturday, November 21, 2015
Partly cloudy with mild temperatures

A Fine Hubley

Cast Iron Airplane

   Since Dan Morphy has expanded his auction business, his photography has improved with the use of larger-sized photographs. A lot of his expanded business has been old cars and firearms, which require superior photography. I'm glad this has happened, as it's great for myself to see more detail of the toy photos. In this way, I can expand on my writing and the fine toys.

 "Cast Iron Hubley Tri Motor America Airplane Toy.

All cast iron with aluminum wing marked "America" on wing and has star marks on circles on both sides of wing. Looks to be all original. Some paint chipping and wear on top of fuselage. Original pilots and motors. Original rubber tires marked "Hubley", one has a flat spot. Still has clicker. Condition (Excellent). Size 17" Length ( 431.8 mm)"*

* Description Courtesy of Morphy Auctions 

I like how the first 4 photos have been photographed. Since I have removed most of the grey background, the first 4 images appear to illustrate a spiral downward "dive"by the airplane.

Please click here to visit this fine American auctioneer's website

THe second-to-last photo above illustrates the fine detail of the trimotor castings. Look at the engine assembly to note all of the back parts of the propeller. As is usual, the propellers were made of plated nickel,and have truly stood "the test of time" for an 85 year old toy.

The 2 pilots in the cockpit certainly are "cute". They were hand painted, and even the paint on these characters have also withstood the test of time.

There are no photos to show you how the propellers moved,but you can vaguely see a criss-cross (X-shaped) expandable coils in the back attaching the 2 side propellers. The front wheels have another stretched wire coil that attached to the rear wheels and their coils. As the airplane was pushed or pulled with a string, all 3 propellers would rotate.  Also, in the written description, you will have read  the word "clicker". THe airplane had a clicking devise attached to the airplane. AS the airplane was pulled a nosy clicking would arise, with the noise getting faster and louder as the airplane was pulled faster.

The larger-sized cast iron airplanes from the 1930's are very much in demand and achieve high values at auction.

Thanks for dropping by,

and as always,

have a great part of the day or night,

wherever you may be,

Stacey Bindman

Toysearcher@gmail.com