{"product_id":"antique-arcade-cast-iron-tow-truck-wrecker-no-263-original-paint-1930s-usa","title":"Antique Arcade Cast Iron Tow Truck Wrecker No. 263 Original Paint 1930s USA","description":"\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis is believed to be an authentic, \"as-found\" 1930s cast iron wrecker manufactu\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003ered b\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003ey\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eArcade Manufacturing Company\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e of Freeport, Illinois. This specific \"split-body\" model features the classic red-and-green color scheme favored by collectors during the pre-war era. Th\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003ee toy is constructed of heavy cast iron held together by original peened rivets, retaining its original silver-painted grille and bumper.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe undercarriage and fenders are highly marked with factory identification, confirming its authenticity:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMain Housing:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Embossed with \"ARCADE,\" \"263,\" and \"MADE IN U.S.A.\".\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFenders:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Feature internal mold marks \"L5\" or \"L6\" and \"R,\" as well as \"261\".\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFront Bumper:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Clearly marked with \"I\" and \"S\" under the front fender, which were industrial casting marks used by the foundry for quality control and mold identification.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eItem Specifics:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Freeport, Illinois, USA.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAge:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Circa 1933–1937.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMaterial:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Cast iron with original enamel and nickel\/silver paint.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCondition:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Good antique condition with a heavy, honest patina. The toy shows significant original paint with surface oxidation and play-wear consistent with its age. The white rubber tires are original and show heavy \"alligatoring\" and petrification typical for 90-year-old rubber. No cracks or repairs to the casting noted.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eReference Source:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCast Iron Toys\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e by Myra Yellin Outwater \u0026amp; Eric B. Outwater, Page 56.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: Comic Sans MS; font-size: large;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eItem dimensions\u003c\/b\u003e: 1.75\" tall × 4\" long × 1.5\" deep  \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: Comic Sans MS; font-size: large;\"\u003eShipping calculated by eBay\/USPS\/UPS based on your ZIP code.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: Comic Sans MS; font-size: large;\"\u003eItem Description and Condition Disclaimer\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: Comic Sans MS; font-size: large;\"\u003eWe take great care in researching, identifying, and describing each antique item to the best of our ability, drawing on available resources and hands-on examination. However, as dedicated enthusiasts rather than professional appraisers or certified experts, we cannot offer guarantees on authenticity, age, origin, or precise valuation. We strongly recommend that buyers perform their own due diligence, including consulting reference materials or experts, and thoroughly examine the accompanying photographs. These images are an essential component of our listing and depict the item's actual condition, including any visible flaws, wear, or imperfections consistent with its antique nature. It is the buyer's responsibility to inspect each lot and form their own assessment on condition, description and authenticity before purchasing. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAll items have signs of wear commensurate with age and usage. The lack of statement regarding condition does not imply that the item is in perfect condition or free from any and all defects. If you have any questions regarding the condition of the items, please ask and we will be more than happy to answer and\/or provide additional photos as requested. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: Comic Sans MS; font-size: large;\"\u003eCustomer Service Commitment\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: Comic Sans MS; font-size: large;\"\u003eWe truly value our customers and prioritize building lasting relationships through exceptional service. If you'd like additional photos or have questions about an item, we're more than happy to provide them promptly upon request. In the event of any concerns after purchase, please reach out to us as soon as possible--certainly before submitting feedback--so we can work together to resolve the matter swiftly and fairly. Our utmost focus is on customer satisfaction, and we'll do everything in our power to ensure every transaction is smooth, transparent, and positive for you.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Light and Legacy","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44017279795243,"sku":"944","price":150.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0614\/5379\/5371\/files\/20260429_192607.jpg?v=1777675932","url":"https:\/\/thelightandlegacy.com\/products\/antique-arcade-cast-iron-tow-truck-wrecker-no-263-original-paint-1930s-usa","provider":"Light and Legacy","version":"1.0","type":"link"}