American. 1949-1952. Pressed steel. This toy has an unusual mark on the chassis, an "H" casting identity mark with some embellishments. When Bob Smith left Smith-Miller, Matt Miller was looking for a new project to keep the business active while at the same time, allowing him to pursue his vision of producing his “dream” toys, namely, large and expensive trucks. In 1949, Miller engaged the “Harvel Die Casting” company to produce a variety of toys. Harvel was not a brand, but rather it was a “job shop” that merely created metal molds for a variety of clients. Toys made with this mark are dated to 1949-1952 (after Bob Smith left Smith-Miller and before Smith-Miller was sold in 1952). Embossed, "Smith Miller Calif. Smitty Toys", on underside (in two locations). Hand-lettered information, painted on underside. Embossed, "109" and "Harvel", on underside. From the Yvan Lalonde Collection.

Size
5.25" x 5.75" x 12".

Condition
Excellent condition. Original paint and decals. Pinpoint paint nicks to cab. Minor soil to welding apparatus. Minor delamination present. Hand-lettering on underside is not original to the piece.

Medium
Pressed steel.

Signature
Embossed, "Smith Miller Calif. Smitty Toys", on underside (in two locations). Hand-lettered information, painted on underside. Embossed, "109" and "Harvel", on underside.

Provenance
From the Yvan Lalonde Collection.