Unique Toys

 

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A 1910-1930 AC Gilbert balancing cyclist string toy.

 This toy had many popular variations, from Charlie Chaplin to Uncle Sam, many of the variations were comic/movie characters, which I'm assuming mine is for someone of that era.

This toy was balanced on a string and had a counterweight attached to a length of string which was secured to the toy just behind the center cog. Value for this toy is in the $250-400 range.

 

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A 1909 Dayton Friction 'Hill Climber' Train.

 These type toys had a heavy weight inside which once enough speed was applied to would allow the toy to go up an incline. There were several types of these 'hill climbers' made by Dayton Friction Works and Schieble Co. two companies formed by the partnership breakup from DP Clark. Competing firms, there was extensive lawsuit by Schieble for use of the name 'hill climber' by Dayton, but Clark who now ran the Dayton Friction Works continued to use the name.

Vehicle variations included cars, wagons, firetrucks, touring(race) cars. I believe this train to be one of the largest made at over 18" long. Value for this toy is in the $450-800 range due to it's cross over appeal to train collectors.

1932 Keystone Air Mail NX-273

Ride On toy!

$600-1000

 

Rare 1920's  Kiddie Cyclist

Later common versions have litho wheels instead of spokes and the later boy wears a sailor outfit.

$350-600

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3 Soldiers from Marx "Soldiers of Fortune" game. 1930's

$8-12 individual pieces

 

Sometimes we see toys that are unusual, ones that don't turn up everyday.  These are toys our grandparents played with or remember from their own childhood.