Vintage Ice Wagon w/ Horse & Driver - Heavy Cast Metal Green Horse Drawn Wagon w/ Brown Blue Yellow - Retro Home Decor Display Collectible

A great vintage cast metal Ice Wagon with a horse and driver. This toy, which I believe is a reproduction (circa 1980s), was made in three pieces. The driver alone is one, the wagon and two back wheels is another, and the third is the horse, frame and two front wheels. They fit together with a metal peg that fits into a notch. The wagon exterior is a dark green and the sign on the side is a lighter green with yellow, red, and black lettering. The horse is brown with silver accents on the yoke, reins and harness. The man who is the driver is blue with a black hat and shoes.

The side of the wagon says PURE FRESH ICE BY THE BLOCK.

Measures
10 1/2" long when all connected, and is about 3" wide and 5 1/2" high.

Weighs more than 4 1/2 lbs. before packaging for shipment - it is a hefty piece.

In nice antique or vintage condition with lots of wear and chipping to the paint.

NOTE: There is a yellow plastic set of reins for the horse that were probably added at a more recent time that could be replaced with rope or twisted cotton rope for a more accurate period-piece look.

What is an Ice Wagon?

In the late 19th century to mid-20th century, ice wagons would make daily rounds delivering ice for iceboxes before the electric refrigerator was used in homes.
During the winter months, ice was harvested from ponds and lakes, stored in ice houses and then delivered to customers when it was warmer and people needed ice for their food and drinks. My uncles had an ice business and we have one of their ice picks to remember this by!