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Description
This toy is marked as Auburn on both parts. I think there is a part missing (a crane?). Have been trying to find the value of this for months. Would appreciate any information on either the original condition, or the current value. It has yellow wheels on the bottom that i forgot to photograph. Thanks for looking!
Category
General Antiques and Collectibles
Medium
yellow rubber red vinyl
Distinguishing marks
both pieces marked Auburn
Condition
Excellent
Size and dimensions of this item
10" long 6" tall
Date Period
1960's
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Collector Discussion
Do you recognize this piece? Collectors often identify maker marks, share comparable sales, or suggest additional research steps.
Re: Auburn Tugboat
this little boat has obsessed me, it belongs to a friend that has a collection of the more common auburn toys (motorcycle,cars,police/fire vehicles) he bought the boat to join that collection. he also runs a small collectibles business and i do a lot of research for him on history of some items. he asked me to see what i could find on this boat and the answer is NOTHING, it would take a day or two but if anyone is interested in helping me look, i could post more pics. i don't think anybody will ever get rich from auburn toys but i know this one exists and i can find no mention of a tugboat in any info ive found on auburn (a lot trust me). is there anybody out there that knows this boat! i have spent months searching pics, articles, sale ads, collections and none have mentioned a tugboat, the bottom is bright yellow rubber, the wheels are small yellow wheels recessed into the bottom. the top part is red plastic (?) , both parts are marked with the raised auburn markings, they were too cheap for knockoffs so i am sure both pieces are authentic auburn toy products, i just can find no record that auburn ever made a tugboat. the amateur "expert" in me wont let me rest, any help??? thanks for your time in reading this, oh and like i said earlier i have been told that there was a crane attached in back section of boat , i am not sure of this though, looks like something else was there at one time, thanks again
Re: Auburn Tugboat
Location: Auburn, Indiana
Circa: 1935 to 1969
Specialty: Auburn Rubber began producing it's Toy Soldiers, figures and vehicles in 1935 and ceased production of them at the beginning of WW2, turning to wartime production of boot soles and gaskets. Although resuming production of rubber toys in 1952, it's later production would turn to vinyl plastic using injection molds. Auburn Rubber would continue it's production until it filed bankruptcy in 1969
This might help you. I could'nt find your Tug. I ran out of time.. If I find something later I will post it. Good Luck
Re: Auburn Tugboat
thanks for responding, im sure this is one of their later toys, the bottom part is rubbery, the top part is more plasticy, earlier ones were all rubber, interesting stories behind the company also.i've mostly enjoyed the search!