American. 1909-1931. Tinplate. This fire truck features a prominent cylindrical boiler mounted at the rear that is often referred to as the "Milk Can" boiler, as it closely resembles an old-fashioned milk can. In the real world, the boiler was used to provide the pressure needed to pump water or chemicals through hoses. The large knob in front of the boiler is the air chamber or surge tank. This would have been used to "smooth" out the pulsing flow of the water or chemicals to ensure a steady stream of water. On this toy, it is a purely decorative feature. From the Yvan Lalonde Collection.

Size
7.5" x 4" x 12".

Condition
Good condition. Stable paint flakes and oxidation.

Medium
Tinplate.

Provenance
From the Yvan Lalonde Collection.