Here are a few older lithographed tin Jeep toys dressed for police service.
This MP Jeep manufactured by Arnold of West Germany in the 1950's, is one of many German tinplate Jeep toys catalogued by Franz-Gerd Haas in his book Tin Toy Jeep.
The front grille is somewhere between an MB and a CJ-3B, but the windshield indicates Arnold probably had the MB in mind.
See also a photo of the interior (15K JPEG) of this very detailed "Police Patrol" unit. Manufacturer unknown.
Ken Dickerson found a police version of this basic "Made in Japan" Jeep, which explains the reason for the short, stubby radio aerial many of us have seen in the rear of this toy. Apparently it was intended to hold a twisted wire antenna, rarely seen on the surviving copies of the toy. Ken also notes that the radio itself is reversed in comparison to the more-commonly-seen olive drab version of the Jeep.
This Police command Jeep, with communications console in the rear seat, was made in Japan by Daiya. It's another good example of the intricate detailing on some of the Japanese lithographed toys (see Tinplate Lithography on Toy Jeeps: How It's Done). The figures are tin with plastic hats. See also a rear view photo (30K JPEG).
This photo was sent by Mike Albright, along with the photos of his collection of newer Police Cherokees and CJ's. Mike says, "This may just get me started collecting tin. This is a great Jeep! It is an older "Made in Japan" tin friction motor Jeep. It is approximately 7 in. long (17.5 cm), and has lots of detailed litho work. The tires are rubber. Thanks to Bill for the Jeep!" See also a front view photo (52K JPEG).
The battery-powered "T.V. Police Jeep" made in Taiwan by Kuang Hui, is larger (9 in. long) and has an even more elaborate rear console which includes a lighted "TV screen". The screen displays changing pictures, and the toy also makes a siren sound. (This vehicle may not be an exact replica of an actual prototype...)
Thanks to Ken Dickerson, Mike Albright and Doug Gagnon. -- Derek Redmond
Also on The CJ3B Page, see:
See also more Emergency Services Jeep Toys.
Return to the Toy Jeeps Pages.
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