Collected for their beauty, charm and historic relevance, antique sleds are one of the fastest growing categories of holiday collectibles.
Sleds from the late 1800s and the early part of the 20th century can demand hundreds of dollars in mint condition. Even those which have been restored can be of considerable money if the repairs have been done professionally.
When collectors are seeking quality antique sleds they turn to the “Flexible Flyer,” patented by Samuel Leeds Allen in 1889. Allen was a farmer and manufacturer of farm equipment near Cinnaminson, New Jersey, and his first sleds were built for his daughter Elizabeth and her friends. The majority of the “sleds” produced at that time were bulky toboggans and gooseneck sleds intended for use by adults. By contrast Allen’s sleds were comfortable and easy to steer, making them perfect for children. Early sales were slow but Allen believed in his creations and with the encouragement of his young daughter he began marketing them to the toy departments of local stores. His efforts paid off and by 1915 the S.L Allen Company, now located on 5th Street in Philadelphia, was selling over 2,000 sleds a day to stores like Macy’s in New York and Wanamaker’s in Philadelphia. Unlike the mass-produced sleds that would appear later in the century, these handmade sleds were of excellent quality with painstaking attention given to each step of their construction.
Changes through the years kept the popularity of the Flexible Flyer steady. In 1928 the bumpers were adapted to be steerable, In 1930 they added the Flexy Racer (a sled with wheels made to be used on city street) to their line and in 1935 rounded rear runners were added as a safety measure to keep sledders from impaling themselves on sleds in front of them. These modifications in design will help you to date your sled. Pre-1930s sleds had the company name as a part of their elaborate decorations but as sales increased this was gradually replaced by a stenciled logo. You will find sleds in sizes ranging from 38” for kids to 101” models that could carry up to six adults. Early sleds are in high demand by collectors who view them a form of American Folk Art.
After Allen’s death in 1918 his business continued under the watchful eye of his family until 1968. After the initial sale the company changed ownership and the locations of its factory several times with manufacturing eventually being sent to China in 1998. The Flexible Flyer name is owned today by Paricon of Maine who manufacturers plastic, foam and inflatable products in addition to wooden sleds with steel rails. While their current products are good quality and will have the Flexible Flyer’s eagle logo, they are not of interest to collectors.
The value of a antique sled is based on three points; condition, rarity and age. However, consideration is also given to detail and the quality of the construction. Any sled you purchase should be fully functional with the original paint intact and free from rust or chipped wood. Rare sleds, like the extra long four-seat Flexible Flyers, are among the most valuable as are any pre-1920s sleds in good condition. Special detailing on a sled can drive the price up considerably. Special touches to watch for include sculpted runners in the form of horses, swans and other animals and painted pastoral and winter scenes on the body of the sled. Until next time . . . Linda
Linda Kennett is a professional liquidation consultant specializing in down-sizing for seniors and may be reached at 317-258-7835 or lkennett@indy.rr.com