Collections

Monday, December 17, 2007

Nicollet Avenue - Minneapolis in 1909

Nicollet Avenue - West from Washington Ave, Minneapolis, Minn.

The Nicollet Mall has long been a gathering place for Minnesotan's. In the early years before it was even called a Mall, the street was a great place to buy anything from furs to furniture. Over the years, Nicollet has kept its "shoppers" appeal by providing the perfect mix of large retail, small shops and great places to eat and drink.

Although few of the bulidings pictured in the early postcard are still in existence, a few of the old majestic brick icons are still there. Archictecture in many styles exists along the Avenue, from the Blue Glass soaring IDS, to the stately Quinlan Building and the old Dayton's department store, the avenue is a great place to see modern, traditional and unique architecture.

Tuesday, November 27, 2007

Vintage 1960's Clock

The Worlds First Pre-Set Transistor Radio

The key is used to adjust the pre-set tuner dials.

A technological marvel, this device is a Sony 2R-26 8 transistor radio with the worlds first 4 channel pre-set tuner.

This radio is so fantastic because it was manufactured in 1966 and set the precedent for design, functionality, style and durbility. This radio still works perfectly.

Micro Machines by Galoob

Perhaps one of the greatest "miniature" toy inventions of the late 20th century, I present the Motor Oil Can turned into garage. Fascinating.

Monday, November 26, 2007

Micro Machines by Galoob

Saturday, September 01, 2007

Tonka Truck & Trailer

This Tonka is just nice to look at. I like the accent decals and the mag wheels which give it a sport look. See the truck in red below.

Tonka Truck and Horse Trailer

This Tonka Truck came with the trailer as shown and the horse. These are larger than the Tiny Tonka's, but are also attractive and had the legendary Tonka durability.

Buddy L - Horse Truck

I like Buddy L trucks. This was Japan's answer to Tonka. Although not as durable and certainly not as popular, Budd L produced some nice toys to compete with Tonka. This particular Horse Truck is Mint in the Box.

Tiny Tonka - Trailer with Car

This is a mix and match. I like the color combination. The trailer is plastic which indicates a more modern release.

Tiny Tonka - Bell Systems Truck

Released in 1982 this truck is still found in good condition. I have seen this being sold in sets with other Bell vehicles, but not sure if it was sold in an official Tonka set.

Tiny Tonka - Winnebago

I have no hard evidence, but I think Tonka must have produced these in very high numbers because so many are still easy to find. There is the much more rare "Orange" version. I also have a version with a white interior, but don't know for sure how rare that might be.

Tiny Tonka - Cement Mixer

Part of the 1970 Construction set, this truck is in great condition. As you know if you played with these, it wasn't too hard to pull the mixer off and use it as a top.

Tiny Tonka - Horse Trailer

This was part of the Horse Farm Set. I like the brown color Tonka used. This truck is missing its horses.

Tiny Tonka - Tow Truck

This truck in blue is really nice. This particular truck was not played with much as the orginal string and hook are still in great condition. These were the first items to break on my Tonka's.

Tiny Tonka - Van Collection

Tiny Tonka Vans came in a wide variety of colors. I always liked the fact that Tonka put out vehicles with more than the standard red, white or yellow.

These vans are in various conditions between excellent and fair.