This is a Keystone wind-up boat that measures 10″ x 2.75″. The winding key is not removable and there isn’t a brake so when the boat is wound it must go directly into the water. This example is missing the bow flag, just the post remains. There were two different types of flag posts produced. The first was pressed out of a single piece of metal and the post is semi circular. The second was a flag pressed out of metal and attached by a nail. This boat has the first type. The flags can help date a boat. Production of wind-ups stopped during WWII due to the metal shortages and I have found no indication that production ever resumed. So a wind-up is going to be 1942 or older. The boats with a single piece flag are older between 1934 to 1937.
From my private collection.
I have the same boat only it is 12″ long with a white bottom and an upper section of red. It has the original red, white, red tin flag. It has the red and green turnings and never had a tin windshield. The wind up motor still works and the the original paint and deck are stenciling is in excellent condition. There are no cracks or other damage.
Hello Jim,
Very nice. I would like to see a picture or two. If you would send them to collectingkeystone@gmail.com.
Derrick
I will try and send some pictures.