Early to Mid 20th Century Decorative Arts Auction
Thursday, 5 - Thursday, 12 October 2023
Rare oversized late 40’s /early 50’s American “Wolverine” 4 door Sedan and House Trailer set
Current Bid $220 (16 bids, reserve met)
This lot is now closed 12 Oct 6:32 PM (NZST)
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Lot Details
Rare oversized late 40’s /early 50’s American “Wolverine” 4 door Sedan and House Trailer set. Push down mechanism to drive wheels. Measuring a large 700mm in length combined. Beautiful graphics rare in this condition. The “Wolverine Supply & Mfg. Co.” was founded in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in 1903, by Benjamin F. Bain. Incorporated as a company in 1906, Wolverine designed and manufactured household utensils and broom holders, as well as the tools and dies to make them. Benjamin Bain came across an opportunity to get into the toy manufacturing business and in 1913, Bain constructed a 3-story toy factory and lived on site. They built sand-operated pressed tin toys (set in motion by the weight of sand or marbles) and sold them in toy stores across the U.S. Later on their toys were run via a unique spring powered motor and included trains, boats, trucks, trams (street cars), cars & a caravan. Gradually, Wolverine expanded to tin game boards and “Girl Toys” – stoves, refrigerators, sinks, cupboards, washing machines and furniture. These toys are a great history of vehicle and appliance design over many years. Their toy factory was enlarged twice over the years, and the building apparently still stands today, with some of the old “Wolverine Supply & Mfg. Co.” name and “TOYS” visible on the walls. From 1950 a number of amalgamations occurred and in 1986 the Wolverine name of popular toys was changed to “Today’s Kids.”
