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)

Lesney-Matchbox: Commer Bottle Float

The Commer Bottle Float – more commonly know here in the US as a milk truck – was produced by Lesney in 1961. This truck had the Catalog Identification Number of 20 c.

The truck pictured above has the following features:

• Pale green in color
• Black metal base
• Milk cow logo on both side doors
• Green plastic windshield
• Open-air sides with white plastic cream bottles load (non-removeable)
• “Drink Milk” sign on roof
• Black plastic wheels
• Made in England

There were several versions of the Commer Bottle Float produced. It can be noted that while there were differences; there were two features that remained constant in all the versions produced. These features were that the truck was always pale green in color and they all had the black metal base.

Don “The Snake” Prudhomme’s Funny Car

….

This U.S. Army sponsored “Funny Car” was manufactured by Hot Wheelsin 1978 – but only in Hong Kong. This car is called a ‘Funny Car’ because of its racing style. One of the more sought after Hot Wheels out there “The Snake” was produced in four different colors:

• White
• Red
• Black
• Blue

The tampos on the sides were printed with “Don ‘Snake’ Prudhomme”.   In addition, Army was also printed on the sides and hood . This Army “Funny Car” came with two different styles of tires. The front tires are basic wheels (bw); the rear tires – while also basic – are large basic wheels (blw).

Some other features you will find on the pictured car are listed below:

• Metal base
• Metal interior
• Lift up body
• Basic wheels front (bw)
• Rear wheels large basic (blw)
• White enamel paint
• Sides and hood tampo
• Made in Hong Kong

There were many versions of the “Funny Car” and having all of them would make a cool collection, if you are willing to take the time to look for them . . . and are able to  find all the different variations.

If you need a good Hot Wheels reference guide, I recommend Tomart’s Price Guide.

PS – For those that collect and enjoy vintage cap guns, I’ve just uploaded a price guide for vintage toy guns – regular-sized, miniatures and a few others that did fit those two categories.  You can check them out from this link – www.txantiquemall.com/toypriceguide.html – visit ‘Cap Guns – Regular’,  ‘Cap Guns – Miniatures’ and ’Cap Guns – Other’.  Thanks!