Pristine Tonka Truck Retains its Nostalgic Wonder

Q: Hi Dr. Cavo, I have had this Tonka dump truck since I was a youngster. I so enjoy it that we display it prominently in our dining room cabinet. Could you tell me anything about Tonka? While I doubt I would ever sell it, I am curious about its value. Thank you!

A: Okay, now we’re talking. I’m not sure what it is about trucks that speak to so many of us. Even if we’ve never driven one, countless numbers of us are drawn to these Mid-century steel wonders. Is it the shape, the color, the durable construction (Tonka trucks from this era were made from 20-gauge automotive steel), or the simple nostalgia they evoke?

The Mound Metalcraft company was founded in 1946 in Mound, Minnesota, and originally made garden tools. In 1955, they changed their name to Tonka Toys Inc. in honor of Lake Minnetonka. The words “Tanka” and “Tonka” are Dakota Sioux words meaning “Big” and “Great.” A variety of logos were used on their trucks. The red, blue, and yellow logo on your truck was used from 1947 to 1957 and was designed by a Mound, Minnesota, resident named Erling Eklof. The waves on your truck’s logo symbolize Lake Minnetonka, and the seagulls represent the company’s three founders: Lynn Baker, Avery Crounse, and Alvin Tesch.

In 1958, the seagulls were removed from the logo, and the colors changed to red, white, and grey. In 1963, the colors changed again to red and gold. In 1978, the oval logo was eliminated altogether, and the toys bore only the company name, “Tonka.” Hasbro acquired Tonka in 1991, and in 2001, Tonka Toys was inducted into the National Toy Hall of Fame.

I have seen these in poor condition sell for $150 or more. Your truck appears to be in pristine condition. Given the condition and the one-owner provenance, your truck could easily sell for $450 to $550. If, by chance, you had the original box, the price would be in the $650 to $700 range. However, if there is someone in your family who would cherish this truck, consider sending it their way when you’re ready.

Our guest appraiser is Dr. Anthony Cavo, a certified appraiser of art and antiques and a contributing editor to Kovels Antique Trader. Cavo is also the author of Love Immortal: Antique Photographs and Stories of Dogs and Their People.

Do you have a question for Collector’s Gallery? Send your questions and photos via e-mail to ATNews@aimmedia.com. Please include as much pertinent information about your item as possible, including size, condition, history, and anything else that might help identify and value your item.