TEXAS TOY MAN » Stamp Steel

Wyandotte ’1939′ Medical Corps Ambulance

DGM — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 16:57:38 +0000

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.

Mystery Puzzle – What is It?

DGM — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 04:09:26 +0000

This is a vintage toy circa 1950, stamp steel, advertising. Can you guess what it is? Every couple of days I’ll reveal another piece of the puzzle to help you in identifying it. If you think you know what it is – leave a comment. Hope you find this challenging.

Cox, Hubley & Wyandotte Toys

DGM — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 19:32:52 +0000

Received questions regarding the following 4 cars – so I’m responding here so everyone can see the cars along with my answers.

	This is a Thimble Drome Special manufactured in California circa 1950′s. This is similar to my Mystery Car No. 3 – but in yellow. Value $300-400*. For more information see post ‘Mystery Car No. 3 – Thimble Drome Special’.

In my opinion, this car is a Hubley racer made circa 1930′s. These cars have a value of $200-300. If you’re lucky enough to have one made out of aluminum it’s worth between $800-1,000 and should be marked No. 2330

	This dump truck is made by Wyandotte circa 1931. It would appear to be in very good condition with a book value between $95-135*

This Wyandotte dump truck is similar to the version No. 318 which is much shorter in length. Style is the same. It is circa 1934. The book value of this truck is $150-225*.
For more information on toy prices visit Texas Toy Man Price Guide

*Estimated values shown above were taken from Collecting Toy Cars & Trucks by O’Brien.