MISS AMERICA Toy Speed Boat Model by Mengel Playthings Co., Louisville, Kentucky, c. 1920s, Mahogany hull with brass fittings including wind-up mechanism, speed adjustment screw, rudder, and propeller, with "Mengel Playthings" maker's decal, mounted on the stern and "Miss America" on either side of the hull. Overall ht. 41/2 in, lg. 14 in. The boat has all original decals and winds and operates properly. Note: In 1920, inventor and mechanic Gar Wood of Detroit took his Miss America I speedboat to England to compete for the Harmsworth Trophy (the equivalent of today's America's Cup),and won for America for the first time. He went on to win the trophy eight times. In 1931, the Miss America IX became the first boat to reach 100 mph. Minor small abrasions to sides, brass is tarnished and has a ding on the bow.