Cast iron cars

[justyn]

Hey all.

My grandfather gave my mother these two cast iron cars and she passed them on to me.
I did some research on them but can't come up with a value of worth?
They are from a company called Arcade in Freeport Ill. Stamped on the underside of both cars.
Also stamped is a 3 digit number. I can't quite make it out but one starts with a 5 the other a 3.
They both appear the same except for one aspect. One has rubber wheels.
I have searched for pictures but can't seem to find this particular car.
There is no paint on them and no rust that I see.
They are very heavy and mostly smooth surface.
Any information would be greatly appreciated.
I have 3 more photos but cant attach anymore or can I?

[justyn]

More photos.

[mart]

Prices have a broad range on these cars !! If you can figure out what kind of car it is and make out any of the numbers I can see if its listed in my book !! I think all were originally painted or at least the ones I found were,, so less than good condition on color  will make a considerable price difference !!

[rockandrollrods]

A broad range indeed. One that Steve McQueen owned just sold for $1,000, but sometimes similar ones can be worth only $10. If I were to guess, I would imagine that your's have a range of $40 to $60 each. But I really wouldn't know for sure at this point.

[rockandrollrods]

Correction. Figure in the neighborhood of $75-$200 each auction value. They're all over eBay and selling for good money. Congrats on the gift.

[mart]

If these had any of the original paint it would be much better !! The larger sizes were selling higher than the smaller ones like these !!

[Rauville]

These appear to be the mid 1920's version of the Ford Model T coupe with the rounded back cab corners. Old cast iron toys are like anything else; much of the value is based on condition. Lack of original paint, replaced wheels will be factors that affect these particular pieces. Regardless, I would love to have a couple of my Grandfather's toys.

[mart]

Schroeders gives a price on the Arcade 6 1/2 in. Ford T Coupe with higher trunk, no driver, fair condition, between $50. and $150. ,,, The same at 7 inches with driver and lower trunk, good condition between $200. and $300. !!  But this is an 2006 book, could be quite a bit lower considering the market today !!

[justyn]

Thank you all for information.
I am going to swing by a local antique shop and see what they think.
I am also wondering if it's possible to get restoration done on these cars?
If it is do you thing it would increase the value much?
I would really like to see what they looked like.

Thanks again.

Justyn.

[rockandrollrods]

You could get them restored but it would kill the value. People like me really like them now. But cleaned up and looking new just makes them less interesting to most collectors.

[mart]

Thats correct !! Only way I would do that is if you are going to keep them yourself !!

[KC]

Ditto about the restoration!

[justyn]

I really don't know much about antiques/collectables.

Why is it the majority of antiques/collectables increase in value with restoration and these are the opposite? Or am I off base here.

Also I am interested in purchasing an antique price guide book any recommendations?

Thanks for the warning about restoration.

[rockandrollrods]

Most antiques lose value when they get restored or cleaned up. If it's for your own collection and you don't want to sell then go for it! It's yours afterall. A lot of times you see restored cars and gas pumps go for way for money restored as opposed to rusty. But if you have an original good condition unrestored pump or car, it will always almost always command more than a restored one. But if it's something you want looking new and neat for yourself. Don't let us talk you out of it. They belong to you after all. But if it's something you may want to sell eventually, I wouldn't throw moeny at them just to lose it later.