Gimbel Flyer

Q: My brother-in-law gave me an old rusty ride-on toy. It’s blue, 24 inches long, and says Gimbel Flyer on the side. Do you know anything about this toy? I’m certainly not expecting a value equal to a new Corvette, but could you tell me if it’s worth anything?

A: The original Gimbel Flyer was a train that took riders on a “trip around the world” in Children’s World at the 1939 New York World’s Fair. Your Gimbel Flyer Streamliner toy was made by Marx about then. It was made of pressed steel and modeled after the one at the Fair. Gimbel Brothers was a department store in New York City from 1887 until 1987. At one time, it was the largest department store in the U.S. It is known for creating the Gimbels (now Macy’s) Thanksgiving Day Parade. Your Gimbel Flyer is in poor condition. A restored Gimbel Flyer, in blue and orange with a painted logo (that says Gimbel’s Flyer), and wooden steering handle, sold for $150 last year.