Ray  206-947-1137

My goal is to create a world class Metal toy museum to celebrate the terrific toys made by Buddy L, Doekpe, Sturditoy, MetalCraft, American National, Steelcraft, Smith Miller, Kingsbury and More.  Please Enjoy this website created from the original catalogs that were used to promote these Terrific toys!

Buddy “L" Tug Boat
This Buddy ‘L” Model appeals to boys because it not only looks like a big boat but it actually runs like one.
OPERATION: Air is pumped into a large, separate air tank, built into the hull of the boat, with an ordinary bicycle pump—when this air is released it operates an ingenious air motor, directly connected to the tank, and this rotates the brass, three-blade type propeller and sends the craft through the water. The speed is governed by a regulating valve on the stern deck and direction of travel is controlled by special steering device which locks the rudder in any position desired. THE HULL is 27” long from bow to stern, 5” deep from deck to keel, built of heavy 20-gauge non-rusting terne plate steel and embodies the beautiful, graceful lines of the snappiest craft afloat. CABIN is l2’2” long by 434” wide, 214” high from main deck to roof. PILOT HOUSE is 2’4” high, 43k” long and 234” wide, fitted with headlight. Upper deck is enclosed by 1” brass railing. Stack is 1’ 2 in diameter by 4’4” long. AIR MOTOR is enclosed in the hull with the controls projecting through the deck. It is very simple—requires no attention and will last indefinitely. FINISHED with two coats beautiful green enamel with red trim.

DIMENSIONS: Length over all, 27’,; width, 6 1,4”; height, 11”

Buddy  L Coach Number 208
This model is considered by many as the finest plaything ever produced. It embodies all the beautiful lines, harmony of coloring and distinctive design to be found in the finest coaches operating on the highways. The chassis is strong and rugged with channel type frame - drop forged spindles - high carbon steel axels - 3" aluminum front wheels and heavy duty type dual rear wheels. Steering or guiding is accomplished by simply turning the spare wheels forward or backward and can be done while the child rides on top. The body is made of 20 gauge steel with two hinged entrance doors, at extreme front and is fitted with two rows of steel coach chairs. It is perfect in every detail with double bar bumper - large radiator, fitted heat meter - gracefully curved fenders - stream line hood - service type lights - sunshade - signal lights ect. Finished with two coats, baked on, brilliant blue gray enamel, striped in deep red and trimmed in nickel.

Keystone Coast to Coast ride on Greyhound Bus.
This is one of the best toys made by Keystone and hard to find in any condition. This bus has an opening "roof" that allowed kids to store items inside the bus and ride it at the same time. There is a mechanical arm to connect to the inner steering wheel that allows for the roof opening.

Buddy L Flivver Model T Touring
buddy l made a series of terrific versions of the Model T, this version is of a touring coupe, Buddy L Toys also made Flivvers of Model T pickups, convertibles and a 4 post touring Sedan. Condition is everything with these toys as well as the original Buddy L logos that appear on the bottom of each Flivver.

Rare Keystone Ride On Railway Express Agency Sreenside truck

This Keystone ride on Screenside Express agency Ride on truck is one of a few know examples of this terrific toy. It was not cataloged and believed to be a prototype run.

Buddy L Street  Sprinkler Number 206
To sprinkle the “streets in the land of make-believe,” we offer this Buddy “L” model copied from the big outfits so attractive to youngsters in the good old summer time. THE CHASSIS is Buddy “L” standard type with 4’2” disc wheels; 2” steering wheel, 7’4” tread, 234” x 312” radiator; 412” hood and automobile type steering mechanism. It is fitted with steel cab 534” wide x 434” deep. THE TANK is 12” long, 434” in diameter, water tested, and is fastened securely to body by two steel bands. Tank has large filler cap and brass faucet which feeds water into 3.~” sprinkler bar which is perforated with holes the entire length. FINISHED in two coats baked-on enamel. Old Buddy L Toys The tank is green, chassis red and cab black. GENERAL DIMENSIONS: Length, 26’ “; width, 8 3/4”; height, 12”: weight, 13 pounds.

Buddy L Baggage Line Truck with Handtruck.

This Vintage Pressed Steel toy Truck is Built exactly like the big trucks used in hauling Baggage in the cities.  The chassis is standard Buddy "L" design with steel channel section frame, regular automobile type steering mechanism, aluminum wheels are dropped forged spindles, high carbon steel axles and is fitted with big roomy cab. The body is made of 20 gauge steel 13" x 8" at top tapering to 6" x 5 3/4" at bottom; it is 5" deep and has 1 1/2" x 13/4" flanged and tapering coal chute is furnished with each outfit. The finish is baked on enamel in two coats of red and black.

I am building this site as a terrific reference site for collectors and any one interested in the history of old pressed steel toys. My goal is to share my enthusiasm for these terrific pieces of craftsmanship.

All pictures and content copyright MetalToyMuseum 2008