Bidspirit auction | Horse Drawn Omnibus, Francis, Field

Horse Drawn Omnibus, Francis, Field & Francis - Francis, Field & Francis Company. Philadelphia - 1840's - 14 1/2” Long. Provenance: Perelman Toy Museum Collection. One could justifiably argue that this gorgeous toy omnibus is one of the most important early tin toys to ever be sold at auction. The toy's maker was Francis, Field & Francis. They occupied premises at 80 North 2nd Street (between Race and Arch Streets) in Philadelphia. They were alternately known as the Philadelphia Tin Toy Manufactory and they began operating from this address in 1839. Their products possess a very recognizable distinctive look, often vividly colored and decorated with floral motifs by hand. This approach to toy design is inextricably linked to the long-standing tradition of toleware decoration in Pennsylvania. For many years, this toy was among the proudest possessions of Leon Perelman. His museum in Society Hill displayed the Omnibus very prominently because he loved it so much.