{"product_id":"antique-wooden-horse-drawn-wagon-toy-c-1905-converse-best-family-flour-large","title":"Antique Wooden Horse Drawn Wagon Toy c 1905 Converse Best Family Flour Large","description":"\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA magnificent and remarkably large-scale survivor of early 20th-century American toy manufacturing. This antique horse-drawn freight wagon features a dual-horse team mounted on a rolling wheeled platform, a detachable connecting wooden hitch, and a large open-top wooden utility wagon.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe wagon bed features beautiful, bold black stenciling on both sides reading \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\"BEST FAMILY FLOUR,\"\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e styled inside a decorative banner frame typical of early American milling advertisements. The horses feature detailed lithographed paper over wood composition, capturing traditional harnesses, bridles, and muscular definition. Both the horse base and the wagon frame ride on their original, heavy red-painted cast iron spoke wheels.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHistorical Provenance Note:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e The unsealed wooden underside of the horse platform features a highly desirable, hand-written historical provenance marker in pencil, reading: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\"Bought of C.H. Little Co. Freeport, Ill. Nov 1926\"\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. While C.H. Little Co. was a prominent regional crockery, glassware, and fancy goods merchant in Freeport, Illinois, this inscription represents a period collector or merchant recording a transaction date. Based on the construction style, materials, and catalog records, the toy itself was manufactured earlier, during Converse's peak production era \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e(circa 1905–1915)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, making the 1926 ink\/pencil mark an excellent baseline for its early commercial life.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003eItem Specifications\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eType:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Horse-Drawn Toy Utility Freight Wagon\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\u003eTheme:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Early American Industrial\/Agricultural Advertising (\"Best Family Flour\")\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\u003eScale\/Size:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Deluxe Large Format\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"2\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFully Assembled Length:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Approx. 27\" L\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"2\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWagon Bed:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 15\" L x 8\" W x 7\" H\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"2\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHorse Base:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 9\" L x 8\" W x 10\" H (to top of ears)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"2\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHitch Assembly:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 15\" L x 8.5\" W (at axle)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMaterial:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Northern Pine\/Poplar Wood, Lithographed Paper Appliqué, Cast Iron Wheels \u0026amp; Hardware.\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\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Winchendon, Massachusetts, 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 1905–1915 (With a documented historical provenance inscription from November 1926)\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\u003eManufacturer:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Morton E. Converse \u0026amp; Son Co.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCondition Report\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOverall Condition:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Very Good Antique Condition. An untouched, \"as-found\" estate survivor showing beautiful, honest age-earned patina and surface character.\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\u003eStructure:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Exceptionally sturdy frame and solid wood components. The hitch mechanisms, iron pins, axles, and undercarriages remain completely intact, stable, and functional.\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\u003eSurface \u0026amp; Graphics:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e The \"Best Family Flour\" stenciling on the wagon bed is remarkably bold, clean, and highly legible with only minor superficial scuffs. The paper lithography on the horses shows expected antique wear, including areas of honest chipping, edge peeling, and typical surface darkening\/craquelure commensurate with a century of safe storage.\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\u003eHardware:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e All original cast iron wheels turn freely. The red paint on the iron wheels is original and displays perfect, uniform oxidation and wear without structural fractures, cracks, or modern repairs.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAuthenticity Assessment\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis piece stands as an authentic, unaltered specimen of Golden Age American toy manufacturing. Close examination of the construction markers confirms its legitimacy: the chassis utilizes authentic period wire nails and custom-cast iron hardware fittings; the cast iron wheels feature the correct granular surface texture, classic mold-seam lines, and naturally occurring deep oxidation within the recessed spokes that cannot be artificially replicated. The lithographed paper shows genuine multi-layered aging, exhibiting fibers that have oxidized uniformly with the underlying wood grain over the last century. Furthermore, the hand-penciled merchant inscription on the underside matches historical graphite oxidation characteristics, having sunk deep into the unsealed grain rather than sitting sharply on top of the wood, cementing its genuine 1926 regional Illinois provenance.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eScholarly Reference\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFor definitive reference examples of large-scale lithographed paper-on-wood horse-drawn wagons by this prominent New England manufacturer, please refer to:\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\u003eBook Title:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAmerican Clockwork Toys \u0026amp; Wood Toys\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e (Cross-referenced with \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCollecting Toys: A Guide to Giving Old Toys New Life\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e by Richard O'Brien).\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\u003eAuthor:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Blair Whitton\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cspan id=\"docs-internal-guid-dfa29575-7fff-88bb-f61a-1def5cf80a6c\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: Comic Sans MS;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eReference Note:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Consult the chapters dedicated to \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMorton E. Converse \u0026amp; Son (The Toy Town of Winchendon)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, which detail the exact construction metrics, heavy multi-spoke cast-iron wheel configurations, advertising stencils, and paper-on-wood horse designs measuring in these specific 24\" to 28\" deluxe institutional sizes.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\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":44144445358123,"sku":"803","price":450.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0614\/5379\/5371\/files\/20260527_214211_55e6ea16-e4d7-4a52-85b6-d1ad341a29da.jpg?v=1780325202","url":"https:\/\/thelightandlegacy.com\/products\/antique-wooden-horse-drawn-wagon-toy-c-1905-converse-best-family-flour-large","provider":"Light and Legacy","version":"1.0","type":"link"}