A lovely example of a Flexible Flyer Airline Junior 251 Flexible Flyer sled. This one is unusual in that, although made in the USA, was supplied by Lillywhites, the great sports shop in Piccadilly Circus London. This dates the sled to around 1955.
Measuring 1.15m long by 26cm wide (at body) this is a traditional wood and steel model. This one is a perfect fit for a staging item or for a photographer looking for props.
Flexible Flyer Sleds
Flexible Flyers are steerable sleds that can be ridden and steered feet first of head first. They were invented by Samuel Leeds Allen and patented in America in 1889. They were often marketed through the toy departments of Department Stores, and the S.L. Allen company continued to trade until it was taken over bt the Leisure Group in 1968. There have been several changes in ownership since then and the current owners produce the sled in China.
A Fun Fact About Sleds
Did you know that in the opening scene of the 1941 classic film "Citizen Kane," Charles Foster Kane, newspaper tycoon, utters his dying word: "Rosebud." But it’s not until the movie ends that the audience finds out that Rosebud is actually a painted wooden sled that his mother gave to him as a child, the only possession that he ever treasured. Rosebud was not a Flexible Flyer but nevertheless we all love a good sled!
Why not hang around a little longer and take a look at the rest of our retro Christmas gifts.
