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Journal of Antiques and Collectibles and Asheford Institute of Antiques have teamed up to present: Asheford Institute of Antiques

APPRAISERS CORNER Certified Appraisal Training
www.asheford.com

with David L Moore CPAA, Certified Professional Antiques Appraiser A Commitment to Excellence Since 1966

Hello Mr. Appraiser Regarding whether a restoration hurts or helps this truck, I cannot say
I live in NW Indiana and recently acquired an old toy that came from an because I do not have before and after pictures. Buddy L trucks, for the
elderly woman in Florida. I was told that this truck has been in their family most part, were played with hard and put up wet, and creases, dents, old
since the late 1920s. It appears in very good condition for being nearly 100 paint flaking, bad repaints, and loose parts are more common than not.
years old and looks really great on the shelf. Can you please tell me about what Restoration for these battered and bruised toys usually helps value.
I have, and is it original? When I sell it, if it has been restored, should I tell the Personally, unless there are broken parts or a completely obliterated
next owner, or should I just sell it as it is and not say anything? What is the original appearance, I prefer to leave them in played-with condition, but
value of this toy? I have included pictures. they are desirable both ways!
Thanks Regarding “When I sell it, if it has been restored, should I tell the next
Charles L owner, or should I just sell it ‘as is’ and not say anything?” That is a matter
of ethics 101. Yes, there should be a disclosure of restoration. I have
Hello Charles and thank you for contacting written articles on nothing but this subject for a few nationally syndicated
me about this wonderful late 1920s Buddy L toy. publications and could publish a book on ethics in the antiques business,
Buddy L Toys was founded in the 1920s by but I will just state that anytime a seller is aware of any restoration, parts
Fred Lundahl. He named the toys after his son replacement, repairs of damage to anything you are selling it is only right
Arthur aka “Buddy.” Fred Lundahl had started to disclose it to a prospective buyer. Your Buddy L truck has a detectible
the Moline pressed steel company in 1910 in restoration to most Buddy L collectors, but there are those who can restore
East Moline Illinois. His company made parts so well that the restoration cannot be detected by the naked eye. In some
for McCormick Deering and other farm imple- cases, X-rays or black lights are the only revealers of these restorations.
ment companies as well as parts for international Restorations are not bad, restorations give new life to worn,
harvester trucks. In 1921 he made a small truck damaged, and broken pieces, and in most cases, restorations are more
for his son Arthur “Buddy” out of discarded valuable than the piece in its original found state. It is a personal choice to
pressed steel pieces he picked out of the scrap own or have a piece restored. Many times, the only way a person can
pile. That truck was so popular with Arthur’s afford a collectible is to purchase a restoration, but no one wants to be
friends that Buddy L Toys was formed soon surprised that a piece they thought was original, had been restored and
after, manufacturing pressed steel toys for chil- they did not realize it until after the fact.
dren. He started manufacturing the Buddy L Below are a few antique examples of before and after restoration:
Line of trucks including the ice delivery truck,
aerial ladder firetruck, hose reel firetruck, dump 1 2
truck, tow truck, etc. His toys were modeled
after period trucks that the children would see on
the road. Lundahl made a success of his creations
until the Great Depression when he sold the company.
Since then, Buddy L has been an active toy company,
changing ownership several times since Lundahl owned it.
Your toy truck is a late 1920s Buddy L “Tank Line” Arcade 1920s 9-inch taxi with original worn paint on one side
water truck. Large early Buddy L Toys such as your truck (picture 1) and restored paint on the other side (picture 2)
have always been very collectible, reaching a fever pitch in Value unrestored $300 / restored $375+.
the 1980s when the people who played with these
toys were in their 60s and had the means to collect these 1 2
wonderful treasures. I specialized in 1920s Buddy L trucks
in the early to mid-1980s and have owned many early
Buddy L trucks.
Your truck is 25 inches long from the original rear brass nozzle to the
front of the frame and is 12 1/4 inches from the ground to the top of the
cab. It appears to have all its parts and although it is a genuine Buddy L Illinois River Lacon Mallard Hen Broken Bill (photoshopped to look pre-
Tank Line Water Truck, it has a total paint restoration. Meaning all the restoration in Picture 1) Restored bill (Picture 2)
old paint has been removed and a primer and new paint added. The color Value unrestored $175. Value restored: $350+.
scheme is correct, but Buddy L’s paint for the water tank was originally a
variation of blue-green in color whereas yours is more of a green in color I hope this helps, Charles.
but would pass muster for anybody except the perfectionist. All of the Remember to enjoy, display, and if you want, Play with that wonderful
metal parts are without dents, creases, or loose parts. There appears to be Buddy L Tank lines Water Truck.
no patching of the metal or rust on the truck. All the decals are copies.
Overall, an amateur restoration, but it looks good! David L Moore, Certified Professional Antiques Appraiser
If I were to see this truck in a well-advertised auction or in an antiques

shop as a restored Buddy L truck, I would expect to pay $750/$850+. An David Moore is part of the school’s “Ask The Experts” appraising
original paint Buddy L Tank Line Water Truck in this Condition should team, and is an honors graduate and “Certified Asheford Institute
sell for an estimated $1500/$1800. I have noticed that since the 1980s, of Antiques Appraiser.” Moore currently owns D L Moore CAA
prices have increased only moderately, taking into consideration that the and was owner of Waterman Antiques, President of the Indiana
generation that played with these toys is passing, but they are still desirable Archaeological Society and is a published author, with over 50 years
to collectors today. Who would not like this truck? experience in the research and study of antiques and collectibles.

Journal of Antiques & Collectibles and Asheford Institute of Antiques have teamed up to provide our readers with professional appraisers to help you learn more about
and value your finds. We welcome your questions and photos. Send your information to editorial.journalofantiques@gmail.com or mail to Journal of Antiques &
Collectibles, PO Box 950, Sturbridge, MA 01566 attn: Appraisers Corner. To learn more about becoming a “certified” antiques appraiser, visit www.asheford.com.

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