Flexible Flyer Airline Racer Sled by S L Allen, Philadelphia
 
1930s/40s
 
L 149cm, W 62cm
 
The Flexible Flyer is an iconic sled and was once America's most popular brand, patented by Samuel Leeds Allen in 1889. It was the first sled to feature a steering design and later versions added bumpers and safety runners. The Airline series began manufacturing in 1935 and the Racer was assigned model number 60. Other designs in this series include Ace, Pilot, Patrol, Chief, Commander and Eagle. Between 1935 and 1949 the model name was displayed on the deck, dating this example to that timeframe. After 1949 it was displayed on the undercarriage only and the series ended in 1962. 
 
This model has clearly been loved and used and some of the Flexible Flyer lettering has faded. The steering design still works perfectly though and it is ready and waiting for its return to the snow.