Taxi Cabs | Original Cast Iron T

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Cast Iron Taxi Cabs

Arcade

In 1921, a pivotal moment occurred in the history of the Arcade Company. Mr. Isaac P. Gassman, then secretary and sales manager, established a significant partnership with the president of Yellow Cab Co. in Chicago. This collaboration led to the production of a miniature cast iron replica of the iconic Yellow Cab, marking the inception of Arcade's promotional toy line.

Introduced in Playthings magazine in January 1922, the No. 1 Yellow Cab measured 9-1/4" long, 5" high, and 3-1/2" wide, with a 6" wheelbase and a weight of 3-5/8 pounds. The model featured orange-painted wheels and body, white tires, and a rubber-stamped "Yellow Cab" inscription on the rear door, mirroring the distinctive design of the original vehicle. This landmark agreement represents a significant milestone in the history of both companies and the promotional toy industry as a whole. And thus started what is possibly one of the most popular line of cast iron toys made.

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Patent information for the yellow cab

arcade cast iron yellow cab company large taxi

No. 1 - Large Arcade Yellow Cab Co. Taxi

Developed by Arcade in 1921 to copy the popular yellow cab design of chicago. First version was the largest at 9 inches. Early versions may have had the yellow cab co. letters embossed on the body. This toy became a promotional toy that businesses sold or gave away. Those versions would often have the promoting companies phone no. displayed on the front door , rear or even roof of the toy.

Number 2 - 8 inch yellow cab with Metal wheels.

Based on the success of the larger number 1 yellow cab Arcade then started producing many options of the now popular yellow cab taxi toy in 1923. Not sure why Arcade felt the need to produce a slightly smaller version at 8 inches compared to the no. 1 at 9 inches.

arcade cast iron yellow cab taxi number 3

No. 3 - 5 inch Arcade Yellow cab Co. Taxi

The number 3 was a shorter version at 5 1.4 inches in length. It came with no driver and only metal wheels. It was offered in a single and double stripe version. The size was also offered in other color variations by customer request. Per Lillian Gottschalk it was offered in 1925 and discontinued by 1928 which would make it a scarcer version of this taxi.

Arcade cast iron yellow taxi limo flat top

No. 5 Arcade Yellow Taxi Flat Top Limo

Measuring 8-1/2 inches long, 3-3/8 inches high, and 3-1/2 inches wide.
The eye-catching design features a vibrant yellow body with a contrasting black stripe. The top and fenders are finished in sleek black enamel, while the radiator boasts an aluminum bronze sheen. The headlight and driver figure are nickel-plated for a touch of realism. In fact the front end of this car really sets it apart from the rest.

Additional details include a spare tire and the "Yellow Cab" inscription stamped on the rear doors. This cab is sometimes called the G.M.C. cab, but it's more commonly known as "The Flat Top Cab." . Note there is also a bank version of this car with a coin slot in the hood / engine compartment

yellow cab bank

Introduced in 1923. Distinctive design with the caged back seat area and coin slot in the roof above it.

Arcade Special Finish

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Cast Iron Taxi Cabs

Arcade

Click on pictures to see it in full screen mode and to see more information

Arcade Special Finish

Click on pictures to see it in full screen mode and to see more information

Further research required

Variations of the Welker Oxen

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