1890's Wilkens/Kingsbury Cast Iron Paddle Boat Steamer - City of New York

This heavy metal cast iron ship measures 14-3/4" in length, 3" in width, and 5" in height to the top of the smokestack.

The original paint is still present, and a Q-tip dipped in a cleaning solution will go along way in raising the toy's condition from very good to excellent. The small, irregularly shaped wheel on the bottom bow causes the ship to rise and fall as if ocean swells are present as it moves along a flat surface.

The red triangular-shaped lever attached to the wire mechanism that moves the center paddle wheel is present and working, but the other stationary short metal wire needs to be replaced and inserted into the hold to keep the red lever upright.

The Wilkens Toy Company was founded in 1890, and in 1894, Harry Kingsbury, a leader in cast iron and metal toy manufacturing, bought the company. This heavy original cast-iron ship is now considered a rare breed to most boat collectors.