Details
Description
This is a highly collectible, authentic 1930s cast iron toy airplane manufactured by the renowned Hubley Manufacturing Company of Lancaster, …
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This is a highly collectible, authentic 1930s cast iron toy airplane manufactured by the renowned Hubley Manufacturing Company of Lancaster, Pennsylvania. This model represents a commercial airliner from the historic Transcontinental Air Transport (TAT) lines.
The toy features a two-piece design consisting of a vibrant orange-painted cast iron fuselage held together by an original peened iron rivet, paired with a solid, unpainted nickel-plated iron wing assembly. The wings are highly detailed, featuring raised-relief block lettering that reads "TAT" on the left wing and "NC-491" on the right wing. It comes equipped with its original dual freestanding nickel-plated propellers, a steel landing axle, and two original cream-colored small rubber wheels. The underside of the fuselage prominently displays the factory cast internal mold number "2252-1".
Origin & Age
Manufacturer: Hubley Manufacturing Company
Location: Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA
Circa: 1930 – 1934
Materials & Specifications
Fuselage Material: Cast Iron (Painted Orange)
Wings & Propellers Material: Cast Iron (Nickel-Plated)
Wheels: Original Cream/White Rubber
Wingspan: Approx. 5-3/4" across
Length: Approx. 4-1/4" long
Weight: 5.4 oz
Reference
This exact model is documented and verified in the premier reference guide for cast iron vehicle collectors:
Book Title: Cast Iron Automotive Toys
Author: Outwater, Myra; Outwater, Eric; and Weart, Green
Page Number Reference: Page 147 (Note: Similar variants of the Hubley TAT series are heavily illustrated throughout the aviation sections of standard Hubley guides).
Authenticity Assessment
Casting Flash and Seams: The interior and exterior casting lines are incredibly smooth. There are no heavy, crude grind marks or wide seam gaps typical of modern recasts.
Hardware and Assembly: The fuselage halves are permanently joined by a factory-peened solid iron rivet rather than a modern slotted hardware screw. The landing gear axle ends show correct, crude factory-pinched termination points.
Internal Markings: The factory part numbers "2252-1" are cast into the interior wall with crisp, distinct, raised numbering. Reproductions cast from an original template always exhibit smaller, softer, and illegible text due to metal shrinkage.
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- Dimensions
- 4.25ʺW × 5.75ʺD × 1.5ʺH
- Styles
- Early American
- Period
- 1930s
- Country of Origin
- United States
- Item Type
- Vintage, Antique or Pre-owned
- Materials
- Cast Iron
- Condition
- Good Condition, Original Condition Unaltered, Some Imperfections
- Color
- Orange
- Condition Notes
- Condition Report Surfaces & Patina: This piece is in honest, untouched antique condition with a beautiful, authentic aged patina. The … moreCondition Report Surfaces & Patina: This piece is in honest, untouched antique condition with a beautiful, authentic aged patina. The original orange paint shows significant, honest play wear and uniform paint chipping across the top and sides of the fuselage. The surfaces have been left completely uncleaned and unpolished to maintain historical integrity. Mechanical Integrity: The nickel-plated wings, dual propellers, and landing gear axle are completely intact and structurally sound. The original cream rubber wheels show expected hardening, oxidation, and micro-cracking from age, but remain entirely whole and intact. Both propellers spin freely. There are no cracks, breaks, or repairs to the cast iron. less
Questions about the item?
Returns & Cancellations
Return Policy - All sales are final 48 hours after delivery, unless otherwise specified in the description of the product.
Cancellation Policy - Prior to shipping or local pickup, buyers may cancel an order for up to 48 hours, unless otherwise specified.