 
Vintage Fisher Price #900 Big Performing Circus Wagon COMPLETE w/Seal, Red Ball, Black Tub, and INSTRUCTIONS!
Here is an INCREDIBLE find---a RARE, Vintage Fisher Price #900 Performing Circus Wagon! Some reference guides (www.thisoldtoy.com) suggest this toy was only manufactured from 1962-63 while others (e.g. Fox and Murray book, Fisher-Price Historical, Rarity, and Value Guide, 1931-Present and Baker's book, Modern Toys, American Toys from 1930-1980) purport this set was produced from 1962-70. Whatever its year of origin, Fox and Murray state this set is one of the top 10 collectible Fisher-Price toys ever produced using the Circus theme.
The playset consisted of 30 pieces many of which are almost impossible to find today (e.g. red ball, black tub, instruction manual etc). Not only is this set 100% COMPLETE, but it also is in VG+-VG++ condition. All of the pieces may be stored inside the Circus Wagon when not in use.
The base of the set is composed of a large, brightly colored, wooden Circus Wagon with a removable roof (VG+-VG++). The wagon itself is free of any breaks, cracks, or gouges and still possesses its original cloth pull string and ending with a wooden blue ball. The EXTERIOR white lettering (e.g. Fisher-Price Circus) and the red painted horizontal trim appears crisp and distinct while the Jumbo elephant lithos on each end of the Circus Wagon display some soiling and light rubs. (Please consult photos). The wheel lithos are 100% intact and exhibit minimal, if any "road wear." The majority of the wear on this Wagon is reflected on its INTERIOR lithos (e.g. inside the wagon and on its end ramps). These are characterized by some soiling, residual glue stains, and the appearance of the underlying wood grain showing through the lithos. I attempted to do a "quick wipe-down" of these lithos to see how much of the soiling might be removed. Sadly, most of the stains and soiling are here to stay.
The EXTERIOR lithos on top of the roof lid have retained their vibrant coloration. However, these too exhibit some soiling, possible water stains, and some light rubs. The graphics are quite appealing and depict the different animals and human performers engaged in many challenging tricks. In general, I would characterize the roof top lithos as being in VG+-VG++ condition. The lithos on the upper curved ridges of the roof are in beautiful condition (EXC+++). The underneath side of the roof renders a complete listing of all the component equipment parts, animals, and human performers. In my opinion, the graphics on the underneath side of the roof are in EXC+++ condition.
The equipment constituting the framework for the various circus acts includes:
4 RARE red wooden ladders (EXC-EXC+++--some minor paint loss on corners);
3 VHTF yellow plastic ladder connectors (EXC++-NEAR MINT--light surface scratches);
1 RARE yellow plastic trapeze (MINT);
1 RARE yellow plastic aerial (MINT);
4 RARE yellow wood dowels (10" long, 1 1/32 " diameter) (EXC++-NEAR MINT--some wear due to age; these are the original dowels that came with this set; some sellers insert replicas of these but they are not the same length, rounded on the end, or the same diameter; I'm also throwing in a 4" yellow dowell rod that did not come with this set but interacts nicely with the other pieces of equipment);
2 RARE aqua plastic semi-circles with pegs and holes to make a center ring that is 11" in diameter and for the ladders, circus animals, and performers to stand upon (one side of this semi-circle has a yellow, white, red, and light blue litho on it (center ring) (EXC++-NEAR MINT-Note: Most of these center rings featured yellow plastic instead of aqua colored plastic. This is a rare variation);
1 EXTREMELY RARE black wooden barrel/tub (NEAR MINT--few light scratches);
1 EXTREMELY RARE red plastic ball with a hole in it so it can perch on the seal's nose or on the end of one of the wooden dowels (NEAR MINT-MINT); and
1 RARE light blue wooden balancing board (EXC++-NEAR MINT---some minor paint loss; this board is flat on one side and has 2 grooves on the other side that anchors the accessory figures' legs in place.
The 11 animal and human performers are:
1 VHTF WOOD/plastic Ringmaster with lithos on both sides (NEAR MINT--minimal edge wear on lithos; joints are tight and firm);
1 HTF WOOD/plastic Camel with lithos on both sides (NEAR MINT--minimal edge wear on lithos, some light, horizontal striations corresponding to the underlying wood grain; joints are tight and firm);
1 VHTF WOOD/plastic Giraffe with lithos on both sides (NEAR MINT);
1 HTF WOOD/plastic Tiger with lithos on both sides (NEAR MINT--front legs are a little looser than the rear legs; still holds a pose with ease);
1 HTF WOOD/plastic Horse with lithos on both sides (NEAR MINT-MINT);
1 HTF WOOD/plastic Baby Jumbo, the elephant, with lithos on both sides (NEAR MINT-MINT);
1 VHTF WOOD/plastic Dog with lithos on both sides (NEAR MINT-MINT);
1 VHTF WOOD/plastic Bear with lithos on both sides (NEAR MINT-MINT);
1 VHTF WOOD/plastic Seal with lithos on both sides (EXC++minor wear on tip of tail on right side of seal);
1 VHTF WOOD/plastic Clown with lithos on both sides (VG+++-EXC--some minor rubs on bottom of costume; legs are a little loose); and
1 RARE WOOD/plastic Monkey with RARE pipe cleaner tail (VG+++-EXC--some edge wear on the bottom edge of the piece; pipe cleaner tail has been glued; I do not know if this is a replacement tail or if this is the original tail that somebody reinforced with glue; the monkey in this set originally came with a pipe cleaner tail).
Last, but not least, this offering contains the ORIGINAL Fisher-Price Circus Instruction Booklet. This booklet portrays numerous configurations of the various pieces to support different animal tricks etc. The booklet itself is SUPER RARE and exhibits a few holes, age spots, and creases (VG+).
This is an AWESOME, Vintage, Fisher-Price playset and one that any toy collector would be proud to own. It would make a fantastic display piece or engage a child for hours in play.
This set is not part of the recent Fisher Price recall of toys manufactured in China. This set was manufactured in the good ole' U.S.A. in 1962. It is 50 years old and has handsomely withstood the toils of time.
Children under three years of age or still mouthing their toys should not be allowed to play with these toys. Adult supervision is strongly recommended.
I will be thoroughly Q-tip cleaning all of the animals, performers, equipment, and wagon prior to sending it to its new owner. I spend a minimum of 1 1/2 -5 hours cleaning each and every vintage toy that I sell. My sets are IMMACULATE.
Due to the weight of this set, I will probably be shipping it via Fed Ex Home Delivery. In order to ship via Fed Ex Home Delivery, I MUST have a residential address, not a P.O. Box number, and a contact phone number (e.g. home, work, or cell). Fed Ex will not accept a package for shipment without a contact phone number.
This set weighs approximately 8 lbs. UNWRAPPED and my location is Lafayette, IN 47905.
 PayPal is the preferred manner of payment. All payments are due within 5 business days of the listing's conclusion.I also accept bank-issued Cashier's Checks and Postal Money Orders. Due to my bank's policies, I am unable to ship your item until these forms of payment clear my bank (usually within 3 business days). Please contact me if you would like to pay via a Cashier's Check or a Postal Money Order.  Shipping PolicyThe price listed is for the item itself. The total amount due will be the purchase price of the item + the ACTUAL shipping cost to deliver your item to you. All shipping costs or extra fees (in the case of Canadian shipments) are the responsibility of the buyer. I will do everything in my power to find you the cheapest shipping rate—-whether it’s the USPS (First Class, Parcel, or Priority), Fed Ex, or UPS. I DO NOT PAD MY SHIPPING COSTS—-NEVER HAVE AND NEVER WILL! I SHIP WITHIN 48 HOURS OF A CLEARED PAYMENT. I primarily utilize Fed Ex Home Delivery for items exceeding 5 lbs. in weight, measuring greater than 12 inches in any dimension, or traveling longer distances. I’ve been finding Fed Ex has been running @33% cheaper than the USPS (including Parcel Post) and UPS Ground. FYI, another benefit of using either Fed Ex or UPS is that their quote includes up to $100 worth of FREE insurance. Additional amounts of insurance may be purchased for a nominal fee (that is much less than the USPS). Fed Ex also provides automated tracking updates re: your parcel’s whereabouts directly to your personal e-mail account. In order to ship Fed Ex (or UPS for that matter), I MUST have a residential or work place address, NOT a P.O. Box number, as well as a home or cell phone. Otherwise, they will not accept the shipping paperwork or transport your item. Since Bonanza's shipping calculator does NOT offer Fed Ex Home Delivery as a shipping option, PLEASE DO NOT SEND PAYMENT UNTIL I HAVE HAD AN OPPORTUNITY TO MANUALLY CHECK THESE RATES AND INSERT THEM INTO YOUR INVOICE. Otherwise, the shipping calculator may overcharge you. Packages traveling to Alaska or Hawaii will be shipped Parcel Post via the USPS. Insurance and delivery confirmation are required. I’m more than willing to combine multiple purchases into one box whenever it is safe to do so to decrease your shipping costs. Once again, PLEASE wait to check out until I can combine your purchases on ONE INVOICE and can calculate their combined shipping rate via Fed Ex. If you pay for these items separately, I get charged multiple transaction fees by PayPal plus you get over-charged on your shipping. Of course, I will refund you any amount over $1.00 that you've overpaid on shipping. However, it's easier on both of us if you wait until I can send you the correct amount. I’m more than happy to ship selected play sets to Canada. Remember that shipping to Canada can be quite expensive so please contact me for a shipping quote before you purchase an item. I will attempt to find the cheapest shipping rate possible. Canadian customers will be responsible for any brokerage fees, Custom’s duties, or VAT’s imposed by your government. I am not responsible for these charges. Insurance is required for all international shipments. Last, but not least, I offer a 10% discount for orders totaling $125.00 or more. ALL SALES ARE FINAL. NO RETURNS ARE ACCEPTED. I have attempted to bring any noted "imperfections" to your attention prior to your purchasing the item. However, I'm only human. If I have missed something or you have a problem with your purchase, please contact me prior to leaving feedback.Customer satisfaction is #1 for me. I try to provide outstanding service, high quality merchandise, and secure and expedient shipping. Feedback is important and I will be happy to leave you feedback once I know everything has arrived safely and that you are pleased with your purchase. Leaving me feedback helps me gauge how well I'm doing and also serves the Bonanza community by directing them to sellers who proffer outstanding merchandise and service.
|
