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November, 2017 The Antique Shoppe Page 5
19 Century Toy Fire Truck Valued at $39,000!
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by Larry LeMasters

LeMasters’ Antique News Service

I don’t often cover collectibles that sell If that amount seems extraordinary, consider the fact that
at auction, but as 19 century toys go, the toy was missing several parts—driver’s left arm, part of
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this toy fire pumper was exceptional. one foot, right front leg of one
It recently sold at auction (Cordier’s horse, missing side lever, and
Winter Antique & Fine Art harnesses in varied
Auction, Harrisburg, PA), and states of repair and
out of 487 lots, this was the missing parts. In short,
only toy offered for sale. Both this was far from mint
auctioneers and collectors condition,
considered this beauty more of but, as collectors
a work of art than a toy. know, not only is
The fire pumper was made of perfect condition on a 125+ year old toy
tinplate with a rubber hose and rare, there are some toys that are so rare themselves
blue, wooden spoke wheels. The wheels supported a red frame and that they are worth owning regardless of
vertical boiler. condition.
This toy is one of the most detailed fire pumpers I have ever seen. It is toys like this that keep me looking into
Besides a uniformed driver, there is a figurative spread-winged brass box lots at small town auctions, estate sales,
eagle sitting atop the brass pump tubing. A trotting, matched team of and even flea markets.
dappled grey horses pulled the pumper. Sometimes the itch you have doesn’t come
Pre-auction estimates of only $3-5,000 quickly disappeared. The from the fleas, it comes from burning desire
pumper opened at $1,500 and quickly rose like crackling flames, finally for the treasures you find.
selling for the unheard of price of $38,940. This pumper measured
21 inches long, making it between 1/12 and 1/16 scaled (more or
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less). It sold along with a wood and glass, decorative display case for 19 century toy fire pumper that recently sold,
$38,940. in fair condition, for nearly $39,000!
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