I've done a couple of posts on Indian Motocycles, including a piece of old paper that involved a lot of phone calls and a trip to the Montana Historical Society. I also included in that post the First Day Cover that I had done which depicted an Indian Scout with my brother-in-law aboard.
A site that I have been following for well over a year, Tattered and Lost Ephemera, posted a wonderful story and included a print advertisement for a Hubley Indian Motocycle yesterday. As she usually does with the ephemera that she posts, she included links to the Hubley Toy Company and the Indian Motocycle Company as well.
In 2002 when the USPS announced that they would be issuing a block of four Antique Toy stamps, I decided that I would use an antique toy motorcycle for my art work, and I knew where to go as a source for the model - my brother-in-law, Tom Benson, restores old Indian motorcycles, and his living room is a virtual museum of old Indian memorabilia. He does not have any Hubley Indian motorcycles, but he knew where to find some excellent photographs of one - and promptly sent me a couple to choose from.
The advertisement that was posted on the Tattered and Lost Ephemera site is a prime example of marketing, and you really ought to give it a read. Hubley not only knew how to make toys, but they also knew how to sell them. I've recently come across some old paper that includes the sale of Tin toys and dolls, and I'll be putting some of those pieces up as I work toward my next major show in March of next year. But for now, my memory was jogged into action (I could hear the 'realistic' motor running) when I read the advertisement for the Hubley Indian.
To get your motor running, make sure you visit Beth Niquette at The Best Hearts Are Crunchy for more visual treats on Postcard Friendly Friday!
Beautiful! And the stamps are wonderful, too. I wonder what those toys would bring if there were any left today (and I'll bet there are)? Probably a small fortune. Even some of the Tonka trucks we bought for our son are worth a lot of money today. He still has some of them. On another note, my brother has been having the same trouble with my blog and I told him what you said about using IE. Have a great weekend, Dave! Carol
ReplyDeleteWonderful! Great stamps, too. Love the old metal toys. I have a friend who collects and tries to bring them all out this time of year. Fun! Happy PFF!
ReplyDeleteAwesome! I'm a big fan of the old metal toys too. When they made toys to last and look good. Just bought my 3yr old some hotwheels today and it's just not the same!
ReplyDeleteNice job! Red, red bike...:)
ReplyDeleteGreat piece! And interesting information. :-)
ReplyDeleteWell I've certainly learnt something today. I've never heard of Indian Motorcycles before.
ReplyDeleteWonderful post! I already collect vintage postcards, postage stamps and vintage action figures - I dare not investigate the toy motorcycles in case I get the bug and start collecting them too! Happy PFF!
ReplyDeleteI like the motor, the stamps, the information. Another great post. Happy PFF.
ReplyDeleteThanks Dave. You know I love your work!
ReplyDeleteHappy motoring!
WONDERFUL POST... SUPER ART! We have several motorcycles... the Indian is one my husband talks about a lot. THANKS
ReplyDeleteI used to think, when I was a teenager, that the Indian motorcycle was the dream of every man who wanted to ride a new motorcycle. Some of my friends had them in the 1950-1952 time frame. One, Dick Garvey, got killed riding one. Well, it was a hot, day, and at that time back roads were dirt, then gravel thrown on that and then eventually some hot tar. Made a nice road. But it the heat of summer, and after a lot of rain, the roads would become soft and soak up front wheels of motorcycles. That's what happened to him, and over the handle bars he went and landed on the barbed wire fence with his mouth open. Killed him. It was the road but I have been scared of them ever since.
ReplyDeleteI like your artwork. I thought it was really nice and then read the post and found out that thing in the middle is the toy part showing up.Extra wheels on the sides so it stays up when being pulled.
OH, my word--this is just amazing. Your wonderful artwork fills my eyes.
ReplyDeleteI remember my Dad talking about Indian Motorcycles! Thank you so much for sharing.
And Happy PFF!
By the way, your comment about what that little boy might be saying (On Crunchy Hearts) is hilarious!
Somebody died and I got back a couple of decorated envelopes. I will see about putting them online and let you know.
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