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August, 2018 The Antique Shoppe Page 13
MOON WAGON ←5-wheel, orange Moon
Wagon, showing rusty,
Turned Boys into Astronauts worn paint. This is the

BY: LARRY LEMASTERS condition that most
Moon Wagons are found
LeMasters’ Antique News Service in today.

In 1968 Merle L. man on the moon, Persinger called
Persinger received his new invention “Moon Wagon.”
a patent for one of One 1969 advertising called the toy
the most unusual “Moon Wagon for Young Astronauts.”
toy wagons ever Moon Wagons were sold with 5, 7 and 9
manufactured—the wheels. The odd wheel on each Moon Wagon
Moon Wagon. ↑Detail of decal located on extended behind the wagon and was called a in good condition sell in
Persinger along sissy bar of Moon Wagons. “wheelie” wheel since it was designed so a the range of $75-$125;
with Laverne O. rider could lean back (each Moon Wagon had however, it should
Persinger founded a sissy bar) and “pop” a wheelie in the wagon. be noted that Moon
Big Boy Manufacturing Company (Burbank, Advertisements instructed riders to “LEAN BACK Wagons do not appear
California) in 1953. The company / GIVE ‘ER THE GUN!” on eBay often, so in
manufactured round, Big Boy barbeque Today, Moon Wagons are some ways, it is a seller’s market.
grills. considered rare and Vintage, Moon Wagon advertising is also
No doubt, looking for other uses for expensive. Recently, collectible. Color ads from magazines, circa 1970,
round-based things to sell, Persinger one was offered advertising “Get Off the Ground with the Wagon
stumbled on the idea for a round, toy on an Internet That’s Round” sell for $35.
wagon for children to ride. Since the auction site for Moon Wagons were Space Age toys that
US and Russia were rushing to put a $1,500, which may resembled flying saucers. Following the moon
be a little high. On landing in 1969, interest in Moon Wagons waned,
7-wheel Moon Wagon that was offered average, Moon Wagons
on the Internet for $1,500.→ as they became just another fad of the 1960s.

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