Conway Company Wrigley’s Spearmint Gum / REA Express Advertising Promo

Collectibles : Toys : Advertising

 

What a marvelous advertising piece! Conway Company was known for its manufacturing of advertising promos in the 1950s and ‘60s. This is one of them. What makes this so special is that it advertises two companies, one of which is no longer in business.

Everyone knows about Wrigley Spearmint gum. According to Wrigley’s website, this logo was used for many years, beginning in the ’50s. Wrigley’s has been a very successful company.

On the other hand, REA Express declared bankruptcy in 1975, with thousands of delivery personnel losing not only their jobs, but also their pensions. It was a sad day in America when this company announced its bankruptcy- a company with roots as far back as the 1800s.

The truck itself is in very good condition. It measures 4 x 2 1/2 x 1 3/4 inches. It is very heavy for its size, weighing just over 5 ounces. Most likely, it was designed to sit on a shelf without being knocked off. But because of its weight it could roll forever on the linoleum of the kitchen of the 50’s.

Each wheel had a band of rubber around the circumference, which have long been lost or disintegrated.

The windshield looks to be painted tin which has lost most of its paint. The early plastic is thick and in excellent condition. It will require some cleaning though.

It is our belief that this toy/promo will increase in value in time as have many of the advertising items from the 19th century. It is already over 40 years old.

Item ID: 0268