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

Condition 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.

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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Item Description and Condition Disclaimer

We 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. All 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.

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