Details
Description
For sale is an exceptionally honest, all-original 1920s cast iron Fageol Safety Bus manufactured by the renowned Arcade Manufacturing Company …
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For sale is an exceptionally honest, all-original 1920s cast iron Fageol Safety Bus manufactured by the renowned Arcade Manufacturing Company of Freeport, Illinois. This toy represents an iconic era of American transportation, accurately modeling the pioneering "Safety Coach" design introduced by the Fageol Motors Company in the early 1920s.
The bus features crisp, embossed "FAGEOL" lettering along both sides of the passenger cabin. The underside clearly displays the raised, molded manufacturer's mark reading "MADE BY ARCADE MFG. CO." The toy features a two-piece vertical seam construction joined tightly by internal pinning, riding on its original four white-painted cast metal wheels secured by robust steel axles.
Material: Heavy-gauge, sand-cast iron with cold-rolled steel axles.
Origin: Freeport, Illinois, USA.
Age: Circa 1925.
Authenticity Assessment
Casting Quality & Interior Texture: The interior floor and inner walls display a distinct, smooth sand-cast texture from the period.
Seam Profile & Precision: The center seam running along the length of the bus is tight, flush, and shows minimal flash lines.
Lettering Crispness: The embossed "FAGEOL" text and the bottom manufacturer's mark exhibit soft but highly distinct, rounded profiles typical of original factory molds.
Hardware & Fasteners: The axle mountings and structural rivets show authentic dark age-patina and mechanical compression signatures completely inconsistent with modern screws or artificially aged replacement parts.
Reference
Book Title: Cast Iron Toys
Author: Avery Hare
Page Reference: Page 42
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- Dimensions
- 7.5ʺW × 2ʺD × 2.5ʺH
- Styles
- Early American
- Period
- 1920s
- Country of Origin
- United States
- Item Type
- Vintage, Antique or Pre-owned
- Materials
- Cast Iron
- Condition
- Good Condition, Restored, Some Imperfections
- Color
- Red
- Condition Notes
- Condition Report: This piece is in Great Antique Condition with a phenomenal structural profile. It retains a substantial portion of … moreCondition Report: This piece is in Great Antique Condition with a phenomenal structural profile. It retains a substantial portion of its original factory red enamel paint, showing an authentic, honest wear pattern across the roofline and fenders consistent with age and gentle play utility. No cracks, breaks, or repairs: The cast iron shell is entirely structurally sound. Untouched Surfaces: The piece is in its original state—never repainted, never clear-coated, and never chemically cleaned. Mechanical Integrity: Both steel axles are original and straight; all four wheels turn freely and smoothly. Patina: Features a dark, stabilized oxidation in areas of paint loss, adding superb depth and historical integrity for the serious collector. less
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Returns & Cancellations
Return Policy - All sales are final 48 hours after delivery, unless otherwise specified in the description of the product.
Cancellation Policy - Prior to shipping or local pickup, buyers may cancel an order for up to 48 hours, unless otherwise specified.