A charming Hornby Speed Boat No.2 “Condor”, produced by Meccano Ltd., Liverpool, during the early twentieth century.
These clockwork tinplate boats were designed to race across ponds and lakes, powered by a simple wind-up mechanism. Their streamlined form and bright painted finish capture the spirit of interwar British toy design, when Hornby and Meccano were among the most celebrated makers of mechanical toys.
This example retains its original cream and green paintwork and comes with the original illustrated box, depicting the Condor speed boat in motion. Surviving boxed examples are increasingly sought after by collectors of Hornby toys, tinplate mechanical toys, and early British manufacturing.
Today it makes a wonderful decorative object or collector’s display piece, equally at home in a study, library, or cabinet of curiosities.
A charming Hornby Speed Boat No.2 “Condor”, produced by Meccano Ltd., Liverpool, during the early twentieth century.
These clockwork tinplate boats were designed to race across ponds and lakes, powered by a simple wind-up mechanism. Their streamlined form and bright painted finish capture the spirit of interwar British toy design, when Hornby and Meccano were among the most celebrated makers of mechanical toys.
This example retains its original cream and green paintwork and comes with the original illustrated box, depicting the Condor speed boat in motion. Surviving boxed examples are increasingly sought after by collectors of Hornby toys, tinplate mechanical toys, and early British manufacturing.
Today it makes a wonderful decorative object or collector’s display piece, equally at home in a study, library, or cabinet of curiosities.
Maker: Hornby (Meccano Ltd)
Origin: Liverpool, England
Date: circa 1930s
Model: Speed Boat No.2 “Condor”
Material: Painted tinplate with clockwork mechanism
Good vintage condition with light wear consistent with age.
The original box shows age-related wear and creasing.
Please refer to photographs for further details.
Length: 31cm
