1970s Tonka Friction Drive Semi Truck and Trailer Made in Japan

Jon Nix — Wed, 26 Oct 2022 21:06:15 +0000

Better known for their bright yellow and orange construction-themed toys, this is a slightly different Tonka product. This is a smaller, stylised truck and trailer which bears some of the obvious Tonka hallmarks - notably its absolutely bomb-proof construction - but some deviations. Most notable is that styling - it's got an almost futuristic look to it - and the friction-drive mechanism which is activated by first rolling the tractor unit until the revs build and then either pressing the button on the rear of it with your finger or attaching the trailer to it which engages the drive. And, away it goes... it many ways it seems to be a precursor or companion to the Clutch Popper style cars which Tonka produced, but it doesn't appear to have been branded under that label.

The truck and trailer together measure apprximately 20cm (8 in.) in length, with a height of 7.5cm (3 in.) and width of 7cm (2¾ in.)

In very good condition with some minor wear to some of the metal corners, to the plastics, and to the stickers, but overall in very good shape for a 40+ year old toy and a great example for the Tonka collector and the "Big Kid" alike.

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1950s Articulated Pifco Desk Lamp in Dark Cream and Chrome

Jon Nix — Sat, 03 Sep 2022 15:06:10 +0000

As adjustable and as handsome as an Anglepoise - in our opinion- this 1950s Articulated Pifco Desk Lamp in dark cream and chrome, is perfect when a much smaller footprint and more compact design is required. Featuring articulation via two ball and socket joints, the lamp provides a very high degree of flexibility contained within a visual package of stylish conical shade and circular base in cream, and armatures and joints in chrome. If you'd like something a little bit different from an Anglepoise or need a smaller vintage desk lamp with a bit of style to it, then we think this should be a potential candidate ;)

The shade is not mishapened and there are no major dents or dings, and the chrome is in good condition considering the age of the item. The base has some minor scrapes and rusting - particularly to the bottom edges and near the switch - but nothing that undermines the good looks of the lamp and we don't feel that we would undertake to renovate these. What we have done, however, is re-wrire the lamp with an unobtrusive black flex which is carefully complemented by the colour of the switch housing, itself a replacement for the original which was beyond repair. The end result is a subtle reinvigoration.

The buyer may wish to renew the felt on the base (pictured). Post re-wiring we decided in the interests of originality and minimal intervention to reinstate the worn felt which is perfectly adequate in use but, depending on the buyer's preference, could be easily replaced with new felting (the moulded shape for the felt to be adhered to is present and serviceable).

Please note: this lamp will be shipped without a bulb, but it takes a standard bayonet fit.

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1970s Tonka Friction Drive Semi Truck and Trailer Made in Japan

1950s Articulated Pifco Desk Lamp in Dark Cream and Chrome