The Boston-based Keystone Manufacturing Company (1919–1960) was originally established as a manufacturer of heavy machinery but converted to pressed-steel toy production early in the 1920s. Isidore Marx and Benjamin Marx were among the initial investors, and the company enjoyed a long corporate relationship with Marx Bros. Keystone’s first successful toy line was the result of a marketing partnership with the Packard Car Co. and produced a series of sturdy and detailed trucks all bearing the Packard name. In 1932, during the Great Depression steel was plentiful and cheap, and Keystone introduced its "sit and ride" and “Ride-Em” toys. As their name suggests, they were oversized and hefty enough to support a child. The black locomotive with red cow catcher and open freight car pictured here were among their most popular "sit and ride" models and their popularity continues today. The emphatic color scheme, commanding size and sense of nostalgia attract a wide range of interest from toy enthusiasts to collectors of contemporary art and design. And they still appeal to children either to ride or to admire. Condition: Engine, fully operational, original paint, with minor losses, and original rubber wheels, missing decals, dings, and minor losses to metal trim. Freight Car, fully operational, original paint, with minor losses, and original rubber wheels, missing decals, and dings, Coupling mechanism missing Dimensions: Engine, 25" x 10" x 7.5". Car, 18" X 10" X 7.5". Total ensemble 53".