American. 1950s. Pressed steel. Doepke was known for their miniature replicas of real-world vehicles. This fire truck was produced by the company under an official license from a major manufacturer, American-La France (ALF). ALF was one of the oldest and most influential American manufacturers of fire apparatus and emergency vehicles (real trucks, not toys). Their name often appears on toys because they were the industry standard for premium quality vehicles. This high standard meant ALF only selected high-end toy manufacturers, like Doepke, to produce models of their vehicles. Doepke placed the "Rossmoyne" name on its toys because it was the location of its manufacturing plant. Doepke was allegedly so pleased to have the ALF license that it made Rossmoyne the local suburb for its fleet of fire department toys, hence the prominent lettering. Decalled, "Authorized By American-La France ALFCO", on driver's cab door. Decalled, "The Charles Wm. Doepke Mfg. Co., Inc. Rossmoyne, O. Model Toys", on sides. Embossed, "Firestone", on tires. From the Yvan Lalonde Collection.

Size
8.5" x 7" x 28.5".

Condition
Excellent condition. Colours are vibrant and glossy. Original paint and decals. Running boards are loose but present. Pinpoint paint nicks to fenders.

Medium
Pressed steel.

Signature
Decalled, "Authorized By American-La France ALFCO", on driver's cab door. Decalled, "The Charles Wm. Doepke Mfg. Co., Inc. Rossmoyne, O. Model Toys", on sides. Embossed, "Firestone", on tires.

Provenance
From the Yvan Lalonde Collection.