Details
Description
This 1930s American cast iron "PATROL" Police Motorcycle is believed to have been manufactured by the Hubley Manufacturing Company of …
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This 1930s American cast iron "PATROL" Police Motorcycle is believed to have been manufactured by the Hubley Manufacturing Company of Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Measuring 6.25 inches long by 4 inches tall and weighing 1 lb 4 oz, this piece features an integral cop/officer rider wearing a cap and uniform. The gas tank is embossed on both sides with the word "PATROL" in bold period block lettering.
The motorcycle retains a significant portion of its original factory painted finish. The cop rider is detailed in green with blue/olive trousers, black boots, a white facial paint layer, and a peaked cap, while the cycle frame retains traces of its original red undertones beneath the silver/gilt highlight oxidation. The cast iron wheels rotate freely.
Historical Provenance & Design Significance: Manufactured during the golden age of American cast iron toy manufacturing by the prestigious Hubley Manufacturing Company in Lancaster, PA, this piece highlights the transition toward sculpted occupational vehicles in early 20th-century Industrial Design. Featuring crisp embossed tank typography and hand-painted uniform detailing, it serves as an iconic slice of interwar Americana.
Curator’s Note: With its wonderfully aged patina, deep sculptural relief, and classic silhouette, this 1930s Hubley police motorcycle offers outstanding decorative utility. Ideal for interior designers sourcing authentic American vintage accents, it adds weight, texture, and nostalgic character when styled on a library bookcase, office desk, or mantel display.
Item Overview & Specifications
Manufacturer: Hubley Manufacturing Company (Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA)
Model/Subject: "PATROL" Officer Police Motorcycle with Integral Driver
Circa / Era: Circa 1928–1934 (Pre-WWII)
Dimensions: 6.25″ L × 4.0″ H × 1.75″ W
Weight: 1 lb 4.0 oz (approx. 567 g)
Material: Sand-cast iron with original cold-painted enamel finish & steel axle rods
Reference
Book Title: Cast Iron Toys
Author: Myra Yellin Outwater & Linda Meadows
Page / Reference: Page 142 (Illustrated section covering Hubley pre-war police motorcycle variations, embossed tank series, and scale progression)
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- Dimensions
- 1.75ʺW × 6.5ʺD × 4ʺH
- Styles
- Early American
- Period
- 1930s
- Country of Origin
- United States
- Item Type
- Vintage, Antique or Pre-owned
- Materials
- Cast Iron
- Condition
- Good Condition, Original Condition Unaltered, Some Imperfections
- Color
- Green
- Condition Notes
- Condition Notes: Paint: Original cold-painted finish exhibits age-appropriate play wear, flaking, micro-chipping, and surface oxidation throughout, preserving an untouched 90-year-old … moreCondition Notes: Paint: Original cold-painted finish exhibits age-appropriate play wear, flaking, micro-chipping, and surface oxidation throughout, preserving an untouched 90-year-old original patina. Structure: Structurally sound with no cracks, breaks or welded repairs noticed. Mechanics/Axles: Both solid cast iron wheels turn. As noted, the front wheel is slightly wobbly because the original steel axle pin sits partially off-center inside the fork mount, but it remains fully intact and rolls smoothly. less
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