While I was working on the SunnySide vehicle series, I perused my vehicle files and found a ton of un-edited and un-posted photos! It seems appropriate that the vehicle theme continue for a while and that I at least use some of those files that have been sitting here on the computer. Some of the toys I'll post are relatively new acquisitions while others, like this Andy Gard truck, were old and now sold!
It seems there hasn't been much information in the hobby press about the Andy Gard Corp. I became familiar with the name because they made a series of military vehicles that were near clones of the MPC stuff posted here on the blog already. Enjoy! Opa Fritz
The information regarding the company came from 26 Dec 1956 article in The Pittsburgh Press and gives us collector's a small insight into the company (NOTE: some of the info is contained on the toy boxes)
Founded in 1949 by the Giardina Bros (Andrew/President, Vincent, and Samuel)
Located in Pittsburgh (Leetsdale), PA
Nearly $4mil in sales for 1956.
“Most of the Andy Gard toys
manufactured by their company – the General Molds and Plastics Corp. – feature a
tiny little motor in some sort of vehicle. By means of small flashlight
batteries held in the hand and attached to the motor by a long wire, the young
operator can press a button and send his car, fire engine or tractor dashing
round and round on the living room floor, forward or backward.
Some of
the vehicles can be steered by a flexible cable attached to the battery holder.
Press another button on the battery holder and fire engine ladder goes up. A
little derrick - about 14 inches high – is a perfect replica with tractor
treads that send it in either direction and a crane that really works. For the
past weeks, these products made in Pittsburgh have been advertised by
department stores all over the country.”
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