RZM Fine Arts and Antiques Inc Presents: Ask the Appraiser

Greetings Jon. 

I am so impressed with your knowledge of antiques and collectibles that I had to ask you about this large toy bus that belonged to my father many, many years ago. I can remember my dad telling me it was a Christmas present sometime around 1930. My father also told me that it was too large and heavy to play with. It measures 29 inches in length. Hence, he didn’t use it much. I recently dug it out of a closet, where it has been stored away for well over 50 years. It has been wrapped in towels and shows no signs of rust. As an expert appraiser what are your thoughts about this toy? Perhaps its actual age and value. Also, I’m considering selling it. Can you help with that as well. Thank you for your anticipated response and assistance.

Robert    

 It is quite rare to find an antique toy in such wonderful condition. Remember, unlike certain antiques that are carefully cared for in china closets, children play with toys. Banging them around and leaving them outside in all the elements. So, most of the time we find old toys scratched, broken, covered in rust and missing parts. This is certainly not the case with your toy I’m happy to say. This large baked enamel green painted bus was produced by the Buddy-L Company formerly located in Illinois. It was made for only six months in 1929. This heavy-duty steel bus has a solid frame underneath, similar to a real automobile. It should have 22 original passenger seats, large highly detailed headlamps and metal wheels. It can actually be steered by the spare tire mounted along the side. I’ve carefully examined all the photographs you have sent me. It is my pleasure to inform you that you are in possession of the most gorgeous example of this toy bus I have ever seen. Finding a Buddy-L bus in this condition is next to impossible. Your bus has all eight paper decals present with approximately 95% of the original paint, which is quite amazing. There is no damage or wear visible. An absolute perfect example. Any advanced toy collector would want to put this toy in their collection. A conservative value for this Buddy-L toy bus is $ 8,000 USD. You were wise not to store this item in the attic where temperatures can reach 130 degrees in the summer and freezing in the winter. These extreme temperature changes would have destroyed this toy. My advice to you for selling such a special treasure, as this toy bus certainly is, would be to sell it through an auction venue. However, not just any local auction. In order for it to realize its full potential, it should only be sold through an auction house that specifically deals in high end toys and collections. I can furnish you with the one auction company I’ve been dealing with for many years. Thank you for sharing this item with us.