Description
1920’s Buffalo Toys Hy-Lo Ferris Wheel was the very first Ferris Wheel toy known to be produced in the United States. The toy was produced from the mid to late 1920’s. The toy was created to resemble The Great Ferris Wheel, built for the 1893 World Fair. The toy has six revolving carriages, and each car is shown with eight people in the standing position, which was how passengers were carried in the Great Ferris Wheel.
The toy is all tin and utilizes a spring and twisted metal rod propulsion system. As the twisted rod is pulled straight up through the trap doors, tension from the spring pulls the rod back down into the tower, turning the two-inch gear and spinning the wheel. Buffalo Toys used this mechanism in several of their other toy offerings.
The “1920’s Buffalo Toys Hy-Lo Ferris Wheel, No. 53” is a remarkable example of early 20th-century American toy manufacturing, capturing the charm and mechanical ingenuity of the era. Produced by Buffalo Toys, a company known for its quality and innovative designs, the Hy-Lo Ferris Wheel toy is a sought-after collectible for its historical significance and craftsmanship.
The 1920’s Buffalo Toys Hy-Lo Ferris Wheel, No. 53, is more than just a toy; it’s a piece of history, reflecting the innovation and charm of early American toy making. Its combination of mechanical ingenuity, artistic design, and nostalgic appeal makes it a treasured item for collectors and enthusiasts of vintage toys. Whether displayed as a collectible, used as a decorative piece, or appreciated as a historical artifact, this Ferris wheel toy is a testament to the enduring appeal of early 20th-century craftsmanship in toys.
This Ferris Wheel has been in my personal collection for several years and is in very fine condition for a 100-year-old toy!
