This is an antique Dayton friction "Hillclimber" steam engine with tender and passenger car circa 1909 - 1930. All three cars are in their original, untouched condition. The steam engine measures 15" in length, 4 1/4" wide and 7" tall. The majority of the red, green and gold trim paint remains on the engine. All six of the gold spoke wheels rotate freely. The flywheel still functions, and will pull the train after it has been pushed to get started. The cow catcher is slightly bent on the left side, but could be straightened very easily. The tender has the original red with gold trim paint. It measures 9" long, 3 1/4" wide and 4 3/4" tall. The gold spoke wheels on the tender rotate freely. The passenger car is painted red and green with gold trim. The red paint on the roof is faded and thin. It measures 15" long, 3 1/4" wide and 6" tall. The gold spoke wheels also rotate freely on the passenger car. Dayton, Ohio became the source for these wheeled friction toys in the early 1900's after D.P. Clark was issued a patent for the friction flywheel in 1897. The friction toys, originally known as "Hill Climbers", are what most toy collectors refer to as Dayton toys. There were 38 different toy makers in Dayton by 1920, and the similarity of the toys, often unmarked, led to the term Dayton toy. The depression of the 1930's cut this industry short. This three car friction toy from the early 1900's is in very good, operational condition, and would go well with any early 1900's toy or train collection.

Item # AA2490

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