BATHTUB SUBMARINES

We call « bathtub submarines » small toys, either without an engine or designed to operate in a small volume of water. Accordingly, many chemically-powered or prize toys pertain to this category. The oldest ones are of wood or tin, powered by hand, rubber pump, a mechanism or electricity, or even combining pump and engine. Some small radio-guided subs may also be found here (see the section on radio-guided toys). These toys often provoke Mummy’s (or Daddy’s) ire, on the recurring theme: “What the **** are you doing in the tub, it’s time to put the children to bed!”

These two samples (mere wrecks) are Berrobs. Made before 1910, of tin, wood and rubber, this toy won the 1906 Lepine prize, some boxes (or fragments thereof...) indicating 1904 or 1916. In any case, they still appeared on the Bon Marché catalogue in 1919.

The boat fills with water then rises when filled with the air pump. When diving, a small wooden buoy closes the tower and a small sailor emerges. Very rare in its complete state, as rubber deteriorates with age. Length of the small model: 9”; big model: 13”.
F****; complete: *****

These two submarines are of wood, without engines, with lead ballast. One shoots wooden torpedoes thanks to auto-blocking springs in the hull. It was made in the 20s. Lengths: 14” (torpedo sub); 16” (the other, no action). The lead ballasts have disappeared on both models.

F. Torpedo boat: ****; the other: **
These two metal subs with rubber pump are Mobo Water Toys, brothers of the small chemically-powered sub (see the appropriate section); they do have the same aluminium hull and date from the 50s.

They function according to the same principle as the Berrobs; same size and length as the chemical version.
UK ***

This small plastic sub from Tri-Ang dates from the late 60s; it shoots torpedoes from the front (spring with pawl), sprung by pressing the periscopes. Length: 7”

UK ***

This French bathtub sheet metal submarine dates from 1908-1910. Hand action, painted sheet metal.

This is one of the rarest items in the museum. Length: 9”.

F *****

This big “Action Joe” bathyscaphe with a JC Cousteau stamp also uses a rubber pump to rise and dive; it is still propelled through the “fartmobile” effect at the air rushes out at the back. Plastic and nylon.

Length: 17”. Like all rubber pump toys, the range is limited by the length of the air hose.

USA: **

The GI JOE submarine is well-known: of plastic, no engine, it shoots torpedoes and missiles thanks to spring launchers. Length: 9”

USA

The Playmobil Ariane 2 combines an electric engine fixed as on Asian subs and a rubber pump for diving. Iron and plastic. Length: 7”

USA

Those two small paddle subs function above and underwater! They rise thanks to the paddle wheels.

Of plastic, they are typical of the bathtub toys found in seaside shops: see the section on building your own collection, the “treasure hunt” paragraph. Length: 7”
C

This combat diver with an electrical engine is made by Meccano. Plastic, length 9”.

UK *

Another handcrafted item, from a Normand iron-smith; weighed sheet metal, manual action:

Length: 19”
F, unique, unrated, 2000s

This plastic bathtub submarine is signed by Fisher-Price, and is representative of very widely-sold toys.

Length: 13”, 90s.
C, still in production.

The “Deep Sea” series offers a full range of bathtub toys around the submarine and sea depths themes: pocket sub, diver (suited or not), nasty beasts, various accessories.

This series’ editor is German: Carl von Weber A.G., imported in Europe through a Belgian distribution center, and most likely “Made in Asia,” though this is not mentioned on the box; another 100%-globalized product, typical of those toys sold through Toys R Us, La Grande Récré and other Jouetlands...

This very nice bathtub submarine is a Playmobil product, to be compared to the Ariane 2 (see above). Better finish and performance, but the same working system: electrical for forward movement, pneumatic to go up or down... 1’, plastic.

                                                      

A made in China.

Likewise, this small sub, also a Playmobil, with its small background: the diver, the treasure and a plant. Under 3 inches, plastic.

                                                        

These two micro-subs, with mechanical winders, come from England. Plastic, 2.5 inches..

                                                         

Uk made in China.


This small submarine is a submersible radio (!) issued by the shopping chain " la Chaise longue " (http://www.lachaiselongue.fr/)

This is one of those things that will get on Mum's nerves (or Dad's): " Honey, what the xxxxx are you doing, " etc.) Additionally, it's perfect to listen to the news while soaking. Not so perfect for music, however... Plastic, 5.5". F but " made in China. "

 

Those toys are common nowadays, and the Meccano or GI Joe toys can be found rather easily at garage sales, or the Playmobils at supermarkets, so it is time to invest. Just as for prizes, buy whenever they are in good state and cheap. If you do not specifically collect subs, put them away in a well-closed, dry box; take them out a few years later and count the profits! This is especially true of the McDo’s/Disney/Happy Meals toys, complete series of which now reach Himalayan prices, especially in the USA, the more so because these are French series. Witness the prices of chemically-powered submarines: a few francs or dollars at the beginning for models that can reach 100 euros ($130) today.

A specific mention for “Capsella” science toy boxes, one of which allows you to build a compressed-air bathtub sub.

Finally, the countries of origin are shown without any guarantee: for instance, although Meccano WAS an English brand at its creation (UK), there is no doubt about the producing country, due to globalization: China ! It’s plainly written...

This section would not be complete without a mention of a mythical and elusive toy, the Radiguet submarine of the beginning of the century, sold in a box as a science toy. I saw one go through an Antique shop five years ago... for the small price of 4550 euros ($6500) ! Didn’t I tell you one could make a fortune?