TEXAS TOY MAN

Barclay-Train Engine Number 335

Barclay was the largest manufacturer of lead-alloy vehicles in the 1930s and to the mid-1940s.

The Barclay name was derived from the street name “Barclay Street” which was in West Hoboken, New Jersey.

The first production of Barclay toys was thought to be in 1924, although some say 1923 is correct. The company that produced Barclay toys was founded by the partners – Leon Donze (1895-1950) and Michael Levy (1895-1964).

From it’s beginning over a short period of time, Michael Levy took control of the company and proceeded to develop it into a major toy manufacturer facility. In fact, he was so successful that at one time the company had 400 employees.

Unfortunately, during World War II they fell on tough times which resulted in their being forced to lay off the majority of their employees. They struggled to stay open by hiring sub-contractors, but they were never able to get back to the pre-war success they enjoyed and eventually closed shop in 1971 .

The Barclay Train Engine Number # 335 shown in the picture above (2 -1/2 inches) is a very good example of the type of toy’s that they produce,

Some of its features were:

• Molded metal
• Black plastic wheels
• Straight axles front and rear
• Made in USA
• Model number embossed inside of toy
• Hitch for additional cars to be attached
• Painted

Barclay made many different vehicles, including many sets of trains, cars, transporters, etc. In spite of this, it is very difficult to find any of these complete sets in mint condition with the original packaging today. However, you can still find single toys that because of their size make a wonderful display in a diorama or display case.

Typically values for individual toys range from $10-50 while some of the sets can go for $100′s of dollars.  For a more values, the identification and value guide by O’Brien –  ”Collecting Toy Cars & Trucks” -  is available through Amazon.com (see Amazon widget left sidebar, page 2)

Wyandotte ’1939′ Medical Corps Ambulance

In 1921 Wyandotte Company was formed.  They were originally known for making toy pistols as their main product. However, by 1935, the Wyandotte, Michigan company became noted for their production of streamlined Art Deco, steel cars and trucks. Interestingly, these simple metal, stamped-steel toys came with wooden wheels.

Wyandotte toys were noted for:

• Heavy gauge steel construction
• Baked enamel finish

Due to World War II interrupting the toy industry and its sales, Wyandotte begin making ammo clips for the M-1 rifle. After the war was over, they again began production of toys in their new location in Pigna, Ohio.

These toys included:

• Aircraft
• Doll buggies
• Musical toys
• Wagons
• Games
• Trains (Hafner Train line)

Sadly, Wyandotte went out of business in 1965, after many attempts to diversify their toy market.

The toy in the picture above is a Wyandotte “Medical Corps Ambulance”. It was manufactured circa 1939 and was one of the several different models that were produced over the many years they were in business.

The steel stamped cars and trucks they manufactured were  so well made, there  is a good chance that when you find one it will be in excellent condition. This is due to the outstanding craftsmanship Wyandotte utilized in their manufacturing technique.

If you are looking for a good toy collector market, you will find starting a stamped steel toy collection to be affordable.

Hafner Wind up Train

The Hafner company was founded in 1900, but the first Toys produced wasn’t until 1901. The firm’s name was changed to W.F. Hafner in 1904, which later became the American Flyer. Then in 1914 Hafner started his own company Haefner manufacturing Company, and in 1918 his son joined him and from that point on they produced only wind up trains until they were bought out by Wyandotte in 1950.

The picture shown in my post is a Hafner wind up train that was produced after 1918, this train was made up of four cars and circle track.

• Engine
• Tender
• Coal car
• Caboose

If you would like to see some larger pictures of the train cars . . .  click here. 

In my opinion if you are looking to adding a quality wind up train to your collection, I believe the Hafner wind up train would the be one to chose.