Winter Sports Equipment Collectible Appraisal

Flexible Flyer III Steering Sled

This is a vintage 'Flexible Flyer III' steering sled, constructed primarily of wood and metal. The main body of the sled, including the seating platform and steering cross-bar, is made from natural-finished wooden slats with visible grain. The steering cross-bar has the words 'FLEXIBLE FLYER' and the Roman numeral 'III' clearly embossed or carved into its surface. The underside of the sled features a prominent red painted arrow, pointing forward, indicating the direction of travel and possibly highlighting the steering mechanism. The runners and associated structural supports are made of red-painted metal, showing some chipping and wear in the paint, consistent with age and use. The fasteners appear to be metal rivets or bolts, securing the wooden components to the metal frame. A beige or light-colored rope is attached to the steering bar, serving as a pull rope for towing or steering. The finish on the wood shows signs of weathering, including some fading and minor surface imperfections, but no significant cracks or breaks are immediately apparent. The metal components, despite paint loss, appear structurally sound. This sled exhibits classic styling indicative of early to mid-20th-century recreational equipment, suggesting an estimated age from the 1940s to 1960s. The overall craftsmanship is robust, designed for durability and function, characteristic of period-appropriate manufacturing quality.