Help Identify This
Discussion
This child's cart has been in my family for about 70 years. It is a hand-crank toy that is very effective. We know that my grandfather had it repaired by a blacksmith in the early 50's when it was used by my uncle, I can recall riding it in the 60's and over the years brothers, sisters, nephews, nieces and a few parents all had fun with it. The wheels have recently been restored and are awaiting the arrival of new tyres, which are hard rubber, pram like.
Our best guess is that it is about 100 years old however there is no maker detail, date or any other ID. We are not sure if it originated in the UK indeed we suspect not. If anyone can offer any information or ideas as to the actual identity and age it would be appreciated.
Our best guess is that it is about 100 years old however there is no maker detail, date or any other ID. We are not sure if it originated in the UK indeed we suspect not. If anyone can offer any information or ideas as to the actual identity and age it would be appreciated.
Since we all used to make our own go-karts in the day I remember seeing one very similar in Stamshaw, Portsmouth in the 50s. It was made by the lad's father, and he had copied it from someone else, so all I can say is that it wasn't that rare in design. But just where the design came from originally I have no idea. Sorry.
Keep it stiff said:
This child's cart has been in my family for about 70 years. It is a hand-crank toy that is very effective. We know that my grandfather had it repaired by a blacksmith in the early 50's when it was used by my uncle, I can recall riding it in the 60's and over the years brothers, sisters, nephews, nieces and a few parents all had fun with it. The wheels have recently been restored and are awaiting the arrival of new tyres, which are hard rubber, pram like.
Our best guess is that it is about 100 years old however there is no maker detail, date or any other ID. We are not sure if it originated in the UK indeed we suspect not. If anyone can offer any information or ideas as to the actual identity and age it would be appreciated.
Definitely home-built, I'd say. The wheels look pram-like because they probably came off a pram.Our best guess is that it is about 100 years old however there is no maker detail, date or any other ID. We are not sure if it originated in the UK indeed we suspect not. If anyone can offer any information or ideas as to the actual identity and age it would be appreciated.
Can you show us a detail pic of the crank-drive mechanism?
lowdrag said:
Since we all used to make our own go-karts in the day I remember seeing one very similar in Stamshaw, Portsmouth in the 50s. It was made by the lad's father, and he had copied it from someone else, so all I can say is that it wasn't that rare in design. But just where the design came from originally I have no idea. Sorry.
Normally the wheels would be the easiest way to try and date it. I made one in late 1950's - the trick was to fine the chassis from one of the smaller Silver Cross prams which had smaller wheels rather than the big 'n' littles of the traditional style Silver Cross's. Crank mechanism is interesting - does it work? - would probably make it very slow. Wouldn't want to be going down any hills with the two 'levers' thrashing away - could play havoc with any adult plans for fatherhood!Edited by roscobbc on Thursday 3rd March 23:11
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