Sure Gibbs-Connors ceramic baseball figures of the 1940s-1950s were whimsical, after all they were targeted at sports fanatics. From a relatively small manufacturer based in Ohio, the G-C baseball figures are especially prized by modern collectors. Given the location of the factory, it's no surprise that Cleveland Indians "Chief Wahoo" mascot figures dominated the short-lived line, though we have had opportunity to offer examples representing other teams of the day in previous auctions.

Here we have a truly exciting find from the G-C line, with this c.1950s Brooklyn Dodgers trolley car bank, driven by none other than the beloved "Brooklyn Bum." The cigar chomping mascot signifies the love-hate relationship the Dodgers had with Brooklyn fans, who regularly referred to their favorite team as "Dem Bums," while the trolley is a throwback to the Dodgers c.1911-1912 name, the "Brooklyn Trolley Dodgers." Wearing a "Bums" cap and a "Dodgers" jersey, the jovial Bum is flashing a big grin, and his destination is noted on the front, with "Ebbets Field" lettering at bottom. Perhaps the reason for his joy, is that when he was to arrive at the stadium, it was for a World Series game. Other design details include Brooklyn "B" logos on both sides of the trolley, and a coin slot located on the back, between the Bum, and the trolley's tail fin.

Standing 11" tall, with a 6x6 footprint, this remarkable treasure presents in (NM-MT) state, with vibrant colors and abundant gloss. The only slight detractions evident are small factory firing flaws, the worst of which is a spot on the front, next to the driver-side tire, where the paint did not take. Cited as a prototype piece that never made it to market back in the '50s, this rare treasure is considered one of the toughest, if not the toughest, of Brooklyn Dodgers collectibles.