Pristine Lionel 455 Operating Oil Derrick 1950 Version

Pricing & History

Sold for
Start Free Trial or Sign In to see what it's worth.
Sold Date
Source eBay

Payment Pristine Lionel 455 Operating Oil Derrick 1950 Version Album Album Album This appears to be new and unused without a scratch, nick, chip, or even a blemish anywhere. It includes the original 1950 box with original insert, oil drums, inspection tag, 1950-1951 Lionel Service Station Listing booklet, original packing envelope, with a 364 controller, three 81-32 original connecting wires and 455-81, Instruction sheet dated 8-50, and a rare unpainted, rubber stamped Sunoco sign which appears to also be original. Check out all the pictures of this beautiful early Postwar Operating accessory which I bench tested and it works perfectly. There are a number of features which correctly date this Derrick. They are: Correct 1950's original box numbered 455-87 with the golden anniversary year gold (actually orange) background label at each end. Later boxes had only blue printing on them. The original 455-81 instruction sheet dated 8-50 which had to be changed in 1951 because the early one from 8-50 described the operation of the accessory INCORRECTLY RESULTING IN MANY COMPLAINTS. It incorrectly indicated that "the walking beam and the simulated oil flow began immediately after power was switched on." Of course that was never the case. As a result of the customer complaints later versions of the 455-81 correctly indicated that the walking beam and simulated oil flow would begin " A FEW MINUTES LATER, AS SOON AS THE HEAT OF THE LAMP WARMS THE LIQUID IN THE GLASS TUBE THE LIQUID WILL START TO BUBBLE SIMULATING THE FLOW OF OIL." Yet another marker indicating this is a 1950 version is the absence of mounting holes in the accessory's base. There are usually two holes at diagonally opposite corners of the base which are used for mounting the oil rig to a table.. Very early examples left the factory with no holes punched in the base. The Sunoco sign gives every appearance of being original yet it does not have the usual white painted background and blue painted print. This one appears to be rubber-stamped on an unpainted metal sign with the correct dull metal color evident on the rear of original signs and not the yellow metal rear found on reproductions. Check out the close-up pictures of the paint that looks like rubber-stamping. Perhaps another ebay member can provide more information regarding this sign-age. Since all other parts of this accessory are so obviously original, I feel this very well may be also. When the original owner sold it to me he told me it had been packed away in the original box since he purchased it new in 1950 and had never used it. He bought it at a local Hardware Store in Philadelphia where it had been on display during the 1950 Holiday Season. I never questioned him about the sign because to be quite honest, I didn't notice it until I began taking pictures for this listing. As stated above, all parts of the Derrick are flawless including the operation. The parts envelope numbered 455-79 is in nice shape but has some tears. The factory inspection tag is also in nice shape but torn in half and the original box is really nice and complete with all flaps but has one inner flap that is almost separated along its seam. The original box is soiled from age and somewhat brittle but if you look at the pictures it is still in very nice condition. There is no tape on any of the paper items. They are in amazing condition considering they are 60 years old. The instruction sheet is excellent as is the Lionel 1950-1951 Service Center directory. I believe this 455 Derrick is in Collector quality condition and would easily grade it Like New to Like New Plus. It is a great example of Lionel production at its best and is your chance ot add a piece of Postwar Lionel history to you collection. Good luck. I guarantee that my description is 100% accurate. Shipping and insurance in the Continental US is FREE and all methods of payment are accepted. Thanks for checking ou... read more

Items in the Price Guide are obtained exclusively from licensors and partners solely for our members’ research needs.

Flag item for content or copyright

If this item contains incorrect or inappropriate information please contact us here to flag it for review.

If you are the originator/copyright holder of this photo/item and would prefer it be excluded from our community, contact us here for removal.