"Indianapolis" Tether Car Mold Used by B.B. Korn, 1940-1941
THF157106 / "Indianapolis" Tether Car Mold Used by B.B. Korn, 1940-1941
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Artifact Overview
Tether cars, gas-powered model race cars, were popular in the 1930s and 1940s. Barney Korn was among the most skilled builders. While his models weren't particularly fast, they were exceptionally detailed. Korn even built model cars, boats, and airplanes for Hollywood movies. He used this mold to create some of his "Indianapolis" model cars.
Artifact Details
Artifact
Mold (Shaping tool)
Date Made
1940-1941
Place of Creation
Creator Notes
Manufactured by B.B. (Barney) Korn and the B.B. Korn Specialty Manufacturing Co. in Los Angeles, California.
Location
Not on exhibit to the public.
Object ID
2013.47.29
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Gift of Eric Zausner and the E-Z Spindizzy Foundation.
Material
Wood (Plant material)
Paint (Coating)
Color
Light brown
Gray (Color)
Dimensions
Height: 6 in
Width: 15.75 in
Length: 8.375 in
Inscriptions
Handwritten on both halves:
BARNEY KORN
Keywords |
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Related Content
SetBarney Korn: Tether Car Craftsman
- 14 Artifacts
Tether cars, gas-powered model race cars, were popular in the 1930s and 1940s. Few tether car makers matched the skill of Barney Korn. His remarkably detailed and largely hand-built models stood apart from mass produced units by larger manufacturers. Korn's models weren't big sellers – they were too slow for serious racers and too expensive for amateurs – but modern collectors value them for their beauty and rarity.