Arcade Cast Iron “Fire Chief” Sedan No. 1511 — Red Prewar Toy, c. 1930s View Watchlist >
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Lot # D361
System ID # 18427566
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Arcade Cast Iron “Fire Chief” Sedan No. 1511 — Red Prewar Toy, c. 1930s
This vibrant red Arcade cast iron Fire Chief Sedan, model No. 1511, hails from the late 1930s, when the Freeport, Illinois–based Arcade Manufacturing Company led America’s cast-iron toy industry. Designed to mirror the sleek new automobiles of its day, the Fire Chief Sedan carried bold gold door decals and crisp raised “ARCADE 1511 SH” markings beneath. Although the original Fire Chief lettering has long since worn away—a common fate for toys of this age—the casting, wheel design, and underbody details unmistakably match documented examples of the No. 1511 Fire Chief model.
Arcade introduced this line during the final years of cast-iron toy production, before World War II metal restrictions forced the company’s closure. Weighing nearly half a pound, this compact yet substantial piece embodies the transitional moment between handcrafted cast-iron toys and the lighter die-cast cars that followed.
Condition:
Good overall, with age-appropriate wear to paint and scattered small chips, primarily along edges and roofline. Wheels turn freely; axles appear original. Paint retains strong color and character.
Dimensions:
1½" H × 2" W × 5½" L
Weight: 8.4 oz
