Buddy L Rare ca. 1927 Pressed Steel Lumber Truck 203A *SOLD*

Buddy L Rare ca. 1927 Pressed Steel Lumber Truck 203A 

We have for you an absolute treat! This ca. 1927 pressed steel Lumber Truck #203A was manufactured by the Buddy L Toy Company (Buddy L)/Moline Pressed Steel Co. of East Moline, Illinois. This is the most desirable variation as the full cab was only made in 1927 and features the rollers for lumber in the back and rear crank. 

This pressed steel coal truck has steerable front wheels, aluminum disc wheels, likely aged replaced lumber and a set of replaced removable red side stakes.  

This truck was much loved and as such shows some fairly heavy play wear. The body has paint spotting as shown that most all Buddy L unrestored trucks now show. We did notice that a previous owner used shoe polish in a couple spots as a touch up on the left side of the hood and on the right-side running board. The fully intact and original decal on the floor board of the cab is in great condition. The one on the radiator shows chipping and flaking, but is original as well.  

The frame is in great condition and may show some of the unevenness that comes with age and play. Wheels and axles are firmly attached and all work as they should. The left and right, bottom windshield/cab posts have been rewelded. The top windshield/cab posts are loose and need a reweld. All in all, for a toy of its age it is in wonderful condition. 

Action on this toy is unique, the tailgate raises then pivots down. The crank next to the gate gets hand rotated and lumber gets rolled out the back. Once done, the kid folds the crank back up. 

Our example of this Buddy L Lumber Truck shows the usual patina, dust, chips, scuffs, surface rust, scratches, and wear that are to be expected from age and play. It is approximately 24” L. This would be a great and impressive addition to any pressed steel or Buddy L collection.  

In our experience, and with only one year of production with cab, this is quite a rare truck. For every 100 trucks we see, we see a lumber truck; none in such great condition as this. The action and beautiful bed detailing are quite desirable. With both stickers and original paint, we expect the truck to disappear fast. We invite you to view the photos to further determine quality and condition.  

  

  

A brief history of Moline Pressed Steel Company/Buddy L Toy Company of East Moline, Illinois:  

The Buddy L Toy Company was founded in East Moline, Illinois in 1920 by Fred A. Lundahl. However, Moline Pressed Steel Company did not actually start manufacturing toys under the Buddy L name until 1921 starting with a pressed steel pick-up truck that expanded into a veritable fleet of almost 30 cranes and other construction toys some five years later. Up until that point, Moline Pressed Steel Company manufactured parts for farm implements, truck parts, and automobile fenders and other stamped auto body parts for the automobile industry.  

It is interesting to note, that the company was named after the founder’s son Arthur whose nickname was Buddy L. Lundahl started the company because he wanted to make toys that were new, different, and durable. Buddy L produced cranes, steamrollers, trucks, trains and construction toys.   

Throughout the years the company that manufactured Buddy L had many names beginning with Moline Pressed Steel Co. until Mr. Lundahl sold the company during the depression. After that the company switched hands a few times before being sold off in 1995 by SLM International under bankruptcy protection. By 2010, Buddy L was owned by Empire Industries of Boca Raton, Florida, a subsidiary of Empire of Carolina where it has become more of a name than a toy maker. In 2001, after filing bankruptcy Empire Industries and its holdings were sold to Alpha International, Inc./Gearbox Pedal Car Company/Gearbox Toys/J. Lloyd International of Cedar Rapids, Iowa.   

Other names: Moline Press Steel Company (1910 -1913); Buddy L Manufacturing (1930); Buddy L Wood Products (1944); Buddy L Corp. (to date).