Hubley king of cast-iron toys

Invariably,when the subject of American cast iron toys is brought up, the name Hubley comes to the mind of many collectors. Although there were manufacturers with more diverse lines and longer history, Hubley remains preeminent as the toy manufacturer which seized upon the novelty value of the age of automobiles.

Hubley began in 1894 with the production of parts for toy trains in a factory in Lancaster, Pa. Various difficulties, including fire and financial woes, led to a reorganization which resulted in the inception of the cast-iron toy line in late 1909.

The original lines — which included inexpensive novelties, some hardware, wagons, guns, stoves, trains and fire engines — were ordered in large quantities by suppliers who marketed the items to general stores and five and dimes. Within a few years, Hubley began to produce a line of cast-iron toy automobiles. As the automobile became a part of the American culture, Hubley’s toy autos fed the fascination by catching the imigination of millions of children.

By the end of the 1920’s Hubley was the largest manufacturer of cast-iron toy cars and motorcycles and was also a large producer of trucks. When the Depression hit, many manufacturers of automobiles and toys went under. But the shrewd management of Hubley adjusted to the needs and capacity of the marketplace by introducing cheap, small scale toys priced at less than 50 cents.

What made Hubley toys so popular in the 20’s, 30’s and 40’s is what makes them desirable to so many collectors today. The company managed to secure exclusive rights for the reproduction of name brand vehicles, as well as products carried by them. Thus we see the fine trucks marked with the Borden’s Milk logo, Indian motorcycles, Packard cars and even Bell telephone. The result was a high-quality product made in the image of a high-quality product with a nationally recognized name. As most collectors know, recognizable names in advertising and other areas are highly important in the value of an object.

Also of premier interest to the original owners as well as today’s collectors was Hubley’s creative design and engineering which enabled the various parts of the cast-iron toys to be moved. Dump trucks could actually be operated. The famous Chrysler Airflow toy could be disassembled and had working headlights. The moving parts and gadgets caught the imagination of the adults who purchased the toys and the children who used them.

Many of these children of the Depression era have grown up to once again play with Hubley toys. But nowadays if you want to play you had better be ready to pay because these toys command hefty prices.

Although the company effectively ceased production of the traditional line of cast-iron cars and trucks at the beginning of World War II, it still exists as part of a giant conglomerate.

Among the most enduring and noteworthy Hubley toys is the cast-iron 1927 Packard Straight 8. This car is probably one of the most sought-after by collectors who associate the iamge of the Packard motorcar with this fine Hubley toy. Like the actual car, the toy was expensive in its day and production was relatively small. Thus, this toy is among the rarest and most expensive Hubley specimens.

Another choice Hubley car is the 1934 Chrysler Airflow. The avant-garde automobile was ahead of its time and so was the Hubley model. Unfortunately for Chrysler, the car was a financial failure. Hubley managed to turn the automakers’ misfortune to limited success for this toy.

Hubley dominated the field of manufacture of cast-iron toy motorcycles. With the growth in popularity of motorcycles after World War I came a flood of toys with riders dressed as policemen, soldiers, mailmen, racers and deliverymen. The Indian motorcycle was the most popular name brand copied by Hubley, but Harley Davidsons were also widely produced. One of the most desirable models is the 1932 wind-up motorized sidecar model. Today working examples of this Hubley classic are rare and very expensive.

Hubley also produced an extensive line of cast-iron trucks and fire engines, starting in 1910. Among the classics sought after by collectors are the 1927 Steamroller, the Borden’s Milk Truck and the unmistakable Mack dump truck with its working dump body. The company also produced a model of the Elgin street sweeper, with an array of working parts and attachments. This model was an expensive favorite in its day and is the darling of many of today’s collectors. Other popular models were the Bell Telephone truck, which came in a variety of sizes — some of which included pole trailers, ladders and a pulley-mounted winch.

Hubley has become such a desirable name in the field of toy collecting that it is hard to find any bargains unless you are willing to settle for damaged, incomplete or common late toys.

Robert Croul, the NEWS antiques columnist, lives in Newburgh.