Futuristic toys & related items
	Ever wonder what the future will look like? Almost every post-war toy designer did and many of them realized their visions in inexpensive plastics and pressed metals. The vintage futuristic toy may not be a look at tomorrow, but it embodies an optimism and sense of style that is sadly lacking in more contemporary toys. Click on the images for enlarged /alternate views.
			item: Speed King Racers; Renwal, 1950's. description: These hard plastic "cars" are among the most beautiful streamlined toys ever made. The large version is marked #88 and has "Speed King" on the top, the smaller is #150 and has the number "6" on the hood. size: 4.5" l (large), 3.25" l (small) condition: both C-8, slight wear with oxidization to axles price: sold
			item: Rocketank; Sewell Products,1950's. description: A beautifully styled modernist design with Art Deco overtones. Sadly, there are no rockets to fire, but look at the condition. Pneumatic action rubber bulb (green) fires rockets from barrel and is still supple. size: 3" h, 6.5" l, 2.5" w condition: C-8 +, loose price: sold
			item: Space Scout X-100; Pyro, 1950's. description: This toy could just as well fit in other categories, but just look at the styling! A post-war toy designer's vision of how we would travel in space in the future. The Pyro "bin" toys are not very substantial, but the detailing is thoughtful and well-executed. size: 1.25" h, 5" l, 3.25" w condition: C-8 +, loose price: sold
			item: Space Scout X-100; Kleeman/Tudor Rose, 1950's. description: Direct to you from the U.K. is this scarce version of the Pyro X-100 in copper/bronze styrene. Made by either Kleeman or Tudor Rose (both companies used this mark...see enlarged image) from molds loaned by Pyro (for which they paid a "royalty"...how British). Identical to the Pyro X-100 except for the "Made in England" mark. size: 1.25" h, 5" l, 3.25" w condition: C-9 +, old store stock price: sold
			item: Future Car; Mattel,1953. description: This brightly colored plastic and chromed metal vehicle is the epitomy of futurism...check the name! This example is complete and the friction drive is smooth. Some light oxidization to chrome and general playwear overall. size: 3" h, 10" l, 5" w condition: C-8 overall, oxidization to chrome price: sold
			item: Vehicle; Ideal, 1950's. description: An interesting little service vehicle or hauler, probably part of an Ideal play set. Rigid plastic body and wheels are in great condition with only a little wear to the rear "hitch" to detract. size: 1.5" h, 4.75" l, 1.5" w condition: C-8, wear to rear hitch price: $15.00
			item: Jet Auto; WannaToys (Dillon Beck), 1950's. description: These little dime-store gems were bulk packaged in assorted color combinations.They are wonderful companion pieces to Lido Captain Video and Gilmark space vehicles... these example are VERY crisp with only age yellowing to the "bubble" to detract. Choose from blue/yellow or yellow/green. size: 1 " h, 4 " l, 1.75" w condition: C-9, unused stock price: sold
			item: Racer; unknown manufacturer, 1950's. description: Another neat futuristic dimestore bin toy, documented (but not identified) in Bill Hanlon's "Plastic Toys :Dimestore Dreams..." book. Not quite the sleek and sexy look of the Renwal Speed Kings, but interesting anyway. These examples are in clean, played with condition with only slight warping to detract. Choose from red or blue (with yellow wheels). size: 1.75 " h, 5.5 " l, 1.75" w condition: C-8 but with slight warping, minor rust to axles price: $30.00 each
			item: Cars of Tomorrow Convertible; Archer Plastics, 1952. description: A beautiful example of the convertible from Archer's 1952 "Cars of Tomorrow". This 5" bin toy version is rendered in heavy styrene with metal axles. Increasingly harder to find, these were also part of the Archer Auto Carrier...another streamlined marvel. Weird but cool "shrimp" color! size: 1.5 " h, 5 " l, 2" w condition: C-8+ minor play wear, oxidization to axles price: sold
			item: Futuristic car; Dillon Beck, 1950's. description: Every manufacturer jumped on the "futuristic" bin toy bandwagon and here is another of Dillon Beck's minor successes. This hard vinyl piece is difficult to find in good condition as the material tends to warp and shrink. Slightly mottled in appearance, interesting eye appeal in terms of form. size: 1.25 " h, 3.25 " l, 1.5" w condition: C-7/C-8 but with slight warping, minor play wear price: $20.00