Toy, Sand
Object number98.17.25
Manufacturer
Wolverine Supply and Manufacturing Company
(1903 - 1962)
Date1915-1921
Mediummetal, metal plating, paint, wire, string
Credit LineGift of Spang & Company
DescriptionAutomatic Sand Crane action toy. Painted sheet-metal base with turned-up edge, supports a plated metal framework of flat straps and rods, mostly riveted or slip-fit together. At top a funnel-shaped sand hopper is fitted; as the sand drains into a tilting bucket below, the weight of the sand causes the bucket to release and pivot outward. At a mid-point, a string attached to a mannequin unslackens and causes the bucket to tilt and empty. A dropping counter-weight causes the crane to return to restart.Dimensions17.5 x 6 x 15 in. (44.5 x 15.2 x 38.1 cm)MarksString-guide disc at top is marked: "WOLVERINE SAND CRANE patented Sept. 11. 06 Other Pats Pending".
Historical NotesCut-out copy of an old catalog page indicates that the toy originally came with a papier-mache sand tray, a lidded tin of white sand, and a sand scoop.Label TextPittsburgh's Hidden History This represents the oldest toy from the Wolverine Supply and Manufacturing Company, based on the North Side. They opened in 1903 as a tool and die maker, but soon began producing toys. In 1909, Wolverine gained control of patents from the Sand Toy Company through a bankruptcy settlement. Wolverine had made parts for the company’s signature product, the “Sandy Andy” sand toy.
On View
On view
Wolverine Supply and Manufacturing Company
1894
1830-1860
c.1925
