Large-Scale Keystone Ride-On Toy Fire Truck

Impressive, large scale "Ride-Em" pressed steel toy fire engine ladder truck by Keystone Manufacturing Co. Boston, Mass. Circa. late 1920's. Fantastic display piece with tremendous presence and character, measuring over 30 inches wide. Good vintage condition, older repaint, missing one hubcap. Steers and rolls fine. Measures H 12.75 in. x W 30.5 in. x D 8.5 in.

The Keystone Manufacturing Company of Boston, Mass launched into the production of "Keystone" Pressed Steel Toys in 1924. With the approval of the Packard Motor Company, Keystone patterned their toy trucks after the well-know and highly visible, full size Packard trucks of the day. The hallmark of Keystone's "Packard" truck was the "Packard" decal prominently displayed on the front of each truck's radiator. Over the next 25 years Keystone produced many magnificent toy trucks, airplanes, trackless trains and construction toys. Keystone was one of the first manufacturers to bring real water-squirting fire trucks to market, as well as other innovative designs and patients, including a working air pressure pump located under the hood of the water-squirting fire trucks and the "Hydraulic Lift" dump trucks. Later, Keystone introduced the "Ride-Em" series of toys beginning in 1932. Keystone phased out the "Packard" name on their trucks in 1937 with the introduction of a new cab and hood profile featuring a separate plated grill and hood design with 3 horizontal ribs or louvers on each side. SOURCE: Pressed Steel Toys Museum