Franklin Mint 1:32 - Model car - 1912 Christie Front Drive Steamer Fire Engine - Display Base – Original Box

Franklin Mint 1:32 – 1912 Christie Front Drive Steamer Fire Engine – Display Base – Original Box – Very Good Condition
Description
1. Model Description
Offered here is an exceptionally detailed Franklin Mint Precision Models reproduction of the 1912 Christie Front Drive Steamer Fire Engine, produced in 1:32 scale.
This historic American fire engine is finished in traditional bright red with fine gold-coloured decorative lining and numerous silver, brass-coloured and black details.
The model is presented on its original wood-effect display base with a brass-coloured nameplate reading:
“1912 Christie Front Drive Steamer”
The vehicle carries an extensive selection of period firefighting equipment. Its numerous separately fitted parts create an impressive and authentic representation of an early motorised fire engine.
Visible details include:
- Long roof-mounted extension ladders
- Coiled fire hose and hose reel
- Side-mounted suction hoses
- Firefighting nozzles and tools
- Prominent front searchlight
- Detailed lamps, bell and horn
- Driver’s controls and seating
- Spoked wheels with rubber tyres
- Exposed mechanical components
- Detailed front-drive construction
- Rear-mounted equipment and fittings
- Fine decorative gold-coloured markings
- Original Franklin Mint presentation base
- Original Franklin Mint identification tag
The model was manufactured primarily from die-cast metal and supplemented with plastic, rubber and other materials.
Manufacturer: Franklin Mint Precision Models
Model: Christie Front Drive Steamer Fire Engine
Year represented: 1912
Scale: 1:32
Colour: Red with gold, silver and brass-coloured details
Material: Die-cast metal with additional materials
Condition: Very good collector’s condition
Display base: Original wood-effect presentation base
Packaging: Original Franklin Mint box and internal packaging
Original Franklin Mint tag: Included
The model is in very good condition and presents beautifully. Its paintwork, decorative markings and extensive firefighting equipment have retained a very attractive overall appearance.
The ladders, hoses, lamps, tools and other delicate exterior components appear well preserved. As this is an older and highly detailed collector’s model, small age-related traces may be present.
Please study all photographs carefully, as they form an essential part of the description and show the exact condition and contents of the lot.
The original packaging is included. The outer box shows substantial age-related storage and handling wear, including discolouration, marks, abrasions, old adhesive tape, tears and deformation. These signs concern the packaging and are clearly documented in the photographs.
2. The Historical Christie Front Drive Steamer
The Christie Front Drive Steamer represents an important transitional period between horse-drawn firefighting equipment and fully motorised fire engines.
American engineer and inventor John Walter Christie developed an unusual front-wheel-drive system in which the engine and drive mechanism were concentrated around the front axle. This equipment could be fitted to existing horse-drawn steam fire apparatus, converting it into a self-propelled emergency vehicle.
This approach allowed fire departments to continue using their valuable steam-powered pumping equipment while eliminating the need for horses. Motorisation improved response times and made fire engines more independent and efficient.
The Christie system is particularly recognisable by its unusual front-drive construction. The long body behind it carried ladders, hoses, nozzles and the other equipment required by an early twentieth-century fire brigade.
These vehicles document the rapid technological development of emergency services during the early years of motorised transport. Their combination of traditional steam equipment and new automotive engineering makes them especially interesting to collectors of historic fire engines and technical models.
Franklin Mint reproduced the vehicle with an impressive selection of exposed mechanical parts and firefighting equipment and supplied it on a dedicated presentation base.
3. Shipping
The model will be packed with exceptional care because it contains numerous delicate and projecting components.
The ladders, lamps, hoses, tools and other vulnerable fittings will receive additional protection where possible. The model and its presentation base will be secured carefully inside the packaging.
The original packaging will then be placed inside an additional sturdy shipping carton with ample cushioning material.
When unpacking, the model should be handled by its solid presentation base. It must never be lifted by the ladders, lamps, hoses, wheels or other attached components.
Any transport damage must be reported immediately to the carrier and documented with photographs of the parcel, packaging and contents.
International shipments may be subject to customs duties, import taxes or handling charges. These costs are the responsibility of the buyer.
4. Private Sale, Condition and Liability
This is a vintage collector’s item offered in its present condition. The photographs form an integral part of the description and take precedence when assessing colour, condition, completeness and signs of age.
The model contains numerous delicate individual components. Minor ageing, dust, small surface marks, slight bending or changes to materials may be present even when they are not immediately visible in every photograph.
Movable or adjustable components should be handled only with extreme care and without force. No guarantee is given for the permanent mechanical functionality of movable parts.
The original outer box is included but shows considerable age-related storage and handling wear, as clearly documented in the photographs.
Please examine all photographs carefully before bidding.