Jon’s on board with ‘gorgeous,’ valuable Buddy L toy bus

Greetings, Jon, I had to ask you about this large toy bus that belonged to my father. I remember my dad telling me it was a Christmas present around 1930. My father also told me that it was really too large and heavy to play with. It measures 29 inches long. I recently dug it out of a closet, where it has been stored for well over 50 years. What are your thoughts about this toy?

Robert in Harrington Park Hi, Robert,

It is quite rare to find an antique toy in such wonderful condition. Children play with

Senior appraiser Jon Felz of R.Z.M.Fine Arts & Antiques Inc. answers yourquestions.Send your questions and photos to rzmantique@aol.com toys, banging them around and leaving them outside in all the elements. Most of the time we find them scratched, broken, rusted, and incomplete.

This is not the case with your toy. Your large baked enamel green painted bus was produced by Buddy L, formerly of Illinois, in 1929. This heavy-duty steel bus has a solid frame underneath just like a real automobile. It should have 22 original passenger seats, and large headlamps, and can be steered by the spare tire mounted on the side.

You possess one of the most

Marion Lorenzo, ACSW, LCSW (201) 666-1241

N.J. Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Providing Counseling & Psychotherapy, Individuals, Couples & Families, Anxiety, Depression, Co-Dependency Relationships, Loss, Self Esteem gorgeous example of this toy bus I have ever seen. Finding a Buddy L bus in this condition is next to impossible. Your bus has all four paper decals present, with approximately 95% of the original paint. There is no damage or wear visible. An absolute perfect example. Any advanced toy collector would want to own this toy. A conservative value of this Buddy L toy bus is $6,000. You were wise not to store this item in the attic where temperatures can reach 130 degrees in the summer and freezing in the winter. These extreme temperature changes would have destroyed this toy. Thank you for sharing this item with us.

This Buddy L No. 208 pressed metal coach detoured around improper storage.

R.Z.M.Fine Arts & Antiques Inc.is based at 132 Dexter Ave.,Pearl River, N.Y.Call (845) 735-1313 or visit rzmantiques.com.